The Coulomb force between two charges q1 and q2 at separation r in air is F. If half of the separation is filled with medium of dielectric constant 9, what will be the value of new coulomb force?

The new Coulomb force is q₁q₂/9πε₀r²

Explanation

The coulomb force between the two charges q₁ and q₂ at a distance r in air is given by F = q₁q₂/4πε₀r².

Now, let us assume the material of dielectric constant κ = 9 is placed between them on the side of the q₁ charge. The value of its effective charge is now q₃ = q₁/κ at a distance of d = r/2 from the q₂ charge.

Since we have air between q₂ and q₃, the coulomb force between them is

F' = q₂q₃/4πε₀d²

= q₂(q₁/κ)/4πε₀(r/2)²

=  4q₂q₁/κ4πε₀r²

= 4/κ(q₂q₁/4πε₀r²)

= 4/9 × (q₂q₁/4πε₀r²)

= q₁q₂/9πε₀r²

So, the new Coulomb force is q₁q₂/9πε₀r²

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