Question

Two objects gravitationally attract with a force of 100 N. If the mass of one object is doubled and the mass of the other object.is tripled,

what is the new gravitational force?

Answer 1

Hello!

Recall the equation for gravitational force:

`F_g = (Gm_1m_2)/(r^2)`

Fg = Force of gravity (N)
G = Gravitational constant

m1, m2 = masses of objects (kg)
r = distance between the objects' center of masses (m)

There is a DIRECT relationship between mass and gravitational force.

We are given:

`F_g = 100N`

If we were to double one mass and triple another, according to the equation:

`F'_g = (G(2m_1)(3m_2))/(r^2) = 6((G(m_1)(m_2))/(r^2)) = 6F_g`

Thus:

`6 * F_g = 6 * 100 = \boxed{600N}`