If two charges q₁ and q₂ are separated with distance 'd' and placed in a medium of dielectric constant K . What will be the equivalent distance between charges in air for the same electrostatic force?

Step-by-step solution

Force between charges in a medium of dielectric constant K is given by F = 1 4 ₀ K q₁ q₂ d^2 . Force between charges in air at an equivalent distance d' is given by F' = 1 4 ₀ q₁ q₂ d'^2 . For the same electrostatic force, F = F' . 1 4 ₀ K q₁ q₂ d^2 = 1 4 ₀ q₁ q₂ d'^2 1 K d^2 = 1 d'^2 d'^2 = K d^2 d' = d K = d[K]^ 1/2 Answer: d[k]^ 1/2