Why is it good for scientist to be skeptical

Because there is a lot of data that is incorrect so they have to be skeptical and research it to find valid proof.

The answer is 4f======since electrostatic force is given by    we let f be the electrostatic force when  r = 1 m    if we let  denote the electrostatic force when the distance is decreased so that r = 0.5m, then    we established earlier that f = kq₁q₂. therefore    the force will now be 4f.