Multiple Choice
In Newton's law of universal gravitation, if the distance between two point masses is doubled while the masses remain the same, how does the gravitational force change?
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8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation
Newton's Law of Gravity
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In Newton's law of universal gravitation, what two factors determine the magnitude of the gravitational force between two point masses?
A
The masses of the two objects and the distance between their centers
B
The volumes of the two objects and the distance between their surfaces
C
The masses of the two objects and their electric charges
D
The distance between the objects and the gravitational acceleration at Earth's surface
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall Newton's law of universal gravitation, which states that the gravitational force between two point masses depends on their masses and the distance between them.
Identify the two key factors in the formula: the masses of the two objects, usually denoted as \(m_1\) and \(m_2\), and the distance \(r\) between their centers.
Understand that the gravitational force \(F\) is given by the formula:
\[F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}\]
where \(G\) is the gravitational constant.
Note that the force is directly proportional to the product of the two masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.
Conclude that the correct factors determining the magnitude of the gravitational force are the masses of the two objects and the distance between their centers.
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