Question

The diagram shown represents two satellites, A and B, of equal mass in circular orbits around a planet. The magnitude of the gravitational force of attraction between satellite B and the planet is _____ as great as the magnitude of the gravitational force of attraction between satellite A and the planet.
a) three times
b) one-ninth
c) nine times
d) one-third ​

Answer 1

Explanation:

From Newton's law of Gravitationa,

Force ( F ) is inversely proportional to square of the distance ( R ) between two objects,

That is,

F ∝ 1 / R²

Given,

R = 3R

R² = ( 3R )² = 9R²

F ∝ 1 / 9 R²

F = 1 / 9 ( or ) one - ninth

Therefore, The magnitude of the gravitational force of attraction between satellite B and the planet is one - ninth as great as the magnitude of the gravitational force of attraction between satellite A and the planet.