Question

Distance

gravitational constant
X Suppose the gravitational force between two spheres is 60 N. If the
magnitude of each mass doubles, what is the force between the masses?
120 N
180 N
140 N
300 N

Answer 1

C. 240 N

Step-by-step explanation:

I think you have the third answer choice incorrect. It should be 240N because that is the correct answer

From newtons law of gravitation, the gravitational force equation between two objects is given by

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

where m₁ and m₂ are the masses of the two objects, G = gravitational constant and r the distance between the objects

If we double m₁ and m₂, the new gravitational force becomes

`F = (G(2m_1)(2m_2))/(r^2) = (4Gm_1m_2)/(r^2)\\\\`

which is 4 times the original force

So if original force = 60 N, then resultant force after doubling both the masses = 4 x 60 =240N