Question

Question 12 of 25

Two identical satellites circle the Earth in orbits. The distance between the
Earth and satellite B is twice the distance between the Earth and satellite A.
What is the relationship between the gravitational force acting on satellite A
(FA) and the force on B (FB)?
Earth
OA. FB = FA
OB. Cannot be determined
OC. FB< FA
OD. Fa> FA
Satellite A
Satellite B

Answer 1

F = G M m / R^2 gravitational force on satellite of mass m

Fma / Fmb = (ma / Ra^2) \ (mb / Rb^2) = (ma / mb) * (Rb / Ra)^2

Fma / Fmb = 1 * 4 = 4

The force on A is 4 times the force on B