How does the electric field strength vary as the distance from the charged metal dome increases?
How to approach this question
Think about the force between two charges. Does the force get stronger or weaker as you move them further apart? The electric field strength follows the same pattern.
Full Answer
The electric field strength around a charged object is strongest close to the object and decreases as the distance from the object increases. For a spherical dome, the field lines spread out radially. As they spread out, they become less dense, indicating a weaker field. The relationship is an inverse square law, meaning the field strength is proportional to 1/r², where r is the distance from the center of the dome.
Common mistakes
✗ Stating that it increases or stays the same.
✗ Giving a more complex answer that is incorrect, when a simple "decreases" is sufficient.
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