1. Concept: Coulomb's constant \( k \) is not a true universal constant like \( c \) (speed of light). Its numerical output relies entirely on the intervening environment and how humans choose to measure it.
2. Formula: $$ k = \frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon} $$
3. Solution: - The permittivity term (\( \epsilon \)) is dictated by the physical nature of the medium (vacuum vs water vs air).
- The value of \( k \) changes if measured in SI units (\( 9 \times 10^9 \)) versus CGS units (where \( k \) equals exactly 1). Thus, it heavily depends on the system of units.
4. Why other options are incorrect: A and B are incomplete on their own. Option C is false because the constant behaves identically regardless of whether the charges are positive or negative.
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