Question

A charge \( Q \) is fixed in position. Another charge \( q \) is brought near charge \( Q \) and released from rest. Which of the following graphs is the correct representation of the acceleration of the charge \( q \) as a function of its distance \( r \) from charge \( Q \)?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

For Coulomb’s law, remember the force between two charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The force between the two charges is given by Coulomb's Law: \[ F = \frac{k \cdot Q \cdot q}{r^2} \] where \( k \) is Coulomb's constant. The acceleration \( a \) is given by \( a = \frac{F}{m} \), where \( m \) is the mass of the charge \( q \). Therefore, the acceleration of the charge \( q \) as a function of distance \( r \) is proportional to \( \frac{1}{r^2} \), which corresponds to option (1).