Question

2. Describe how the gravitational force between two objects depends on the distance between
them.
3. What happens to the gravitational force between two objects when the distance between them
is: (i) doubled? (ii) halved?​

Answer 1

Explanation:

The strength of the gravitational force between two objects depends on two factors, mass and distance. the force of gravity the masses exert on each other. If one of the masses is doubled, the force of gravity between the objects is doubled. increases, the force of gravity decreases

Answer 2

Explanation:

The gravitational force acting between two objects is given by :

$F=G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{d^2}$

d is the distance between them

(a) It is clear that the gravitational force between two objects is inversely proportional to the distance between them.

(b) If the distance is doubled, d' = 2d

$F=G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{d'^2}$

$F=G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{(2d)^2}$

$F=\dfrac{1}{4}\times G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{(d)^2}$

The force of gravity becomes one fourth of the initial force.

If the distance is doubled, d' = (1/2)d

$F=G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{d'^2}$

$F=G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{(1/2d)^2}$

$F=4\times G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{(d)^2}$

The force of gravity becomes four times of the initial force.

Hence, this is the required solution.