Question

what happens to the force between two object if the distance between them is tripled

Answer 1

According to law of gravitation, the force between two objects (m1 and m2) is proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance(R) between them.

F = G X m1 X m2/ R2  (G = gravitational constant)

(i) If the mass of one object is doubled

Then, F = G X 2m1 X m2/ R2

            F  = 2F , hence force will be doubled.

(ii) If the distance between the objects is doubled and tripled

then, F = G X m1 X m2/ (2R)2

         F = 4F, hence force become one-fourth of its initial force.

and F = G X m1 X m2/ (3R)2

         F = 9F, hence force become one-ninth of its initial force.

(iii) If the masses of both objects are doubled

Then, F = G X 2m1 X 2m2/ R2

            F  = 4F , hence force will be fur time more than it actual value.

Answer 2

Answer:

According to law of gravitation, the force between two objects (m₁ and m₂) is directly proportional to their masses and is inversely proportional to the square of the distance (R) between them.

F = Gm₁m₂ /R² [G = gravitational constant]

So, if the distance between two objects is tripled ;

F = G × m₁ × m₂ / (3R)²

F = 1 / 9 F

Hence, force become one-ninth of its initial force.