Physics

Problem

Two identical positive point charges are held a fixed distance apart. In mineral oil the magnitude of the force between them is

F_{\text{oil}}

. The charges are then placed the same distance apart in glycerin, which has a much larger relative permittivity. Which of the following correctly compares the two forces? a)

F_{\text{glycerin}} = F_{\text{oil}}

F_{\text{glycerin}} < F_{\text{oil}}

F_{\text{glycerin}} > F_{\text{oil}}

d) Whether

F_{\text{glycerin}}

is smaller or larger than

F_{\text{oil}}

depends on the sign of the charges.

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