Question

gravitational force between two point masses m and M
separated by a distance r is F now if a point masses 3M is place of to next to am what will be the total force on M

Answer 1

we know that:-

f = GMm/
${r}^{2}$
(eq 1)
acc. to question
G3Mm/
${r}^{2}$
3(GMm/
${r}^{2}$
)

3F (said above in eq 1)
therefore force increases by 3 times....

Answer 2

The total force on M will be 4F.

• Gravitational force between two point masses m and M separated by a distance r is given by

                                $F=\frac{GMm}{r^{2} }$

• When a point mass of 3m is placed next to m, then the total force becomes

                                $F=\frac{GM(m+3m)}{r^{2}}\\F=\frac{GM(4m)}{r^{2}}\\F=4\frac{GMm}{r^{2}}\\F=4F$

• Therefore, the total force on M increases by 4 times.