There are two electric charges, $Q_1$ and $Q_2$, placed in vacuum. Identify the correct statements from the following.

(A) There will be an electrostatic force between them.
(B) If these charges are placed in water, the force between them will increase.
(C) The electrostatic force between them is a conservative force.
(D) If both of the charges are doubled as $2Q_1$ and $2Q_2$, then the force between them will become 4 times.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (C) and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (C) and (D) only

From Coulomb’s law, the electrostatic force is given by:

$F = \frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0} \frac{Q_1 Q_2}{r^2}$

Analysis of statements:

(A) True — Two charges in vacuum exert an electrostatic force on each other.

(B) False — In water, the permittivity increases, so the force decreases.

(C) True — Electrostatic force is a conservative force.

(D) True — Doubling both charges makes the product $Q_1 Q_2$ become $4Q_1 Q_2$, hence force becomes 4 times.

Correct statements: (A), (C), and (D)