Question

Object A attracts object B with a gravitational force of 5 newtons from a given distance. If the distance between the two objects is reduced in half, what will be the changed force of attraction between them?

Answer 1

25. Since the formula for gravity is gm1m2/r^2 as distance increases(or decreases) the change in force is a square of. That. So since distance is 1/2 force is squared.

Answer 2

20 N

Step-by-step explanation:

The gravitational force between the two objects is given by:

`F=G(m_A m_B)/(r^2)`

where

G is the gravitational constant

mA and mB are the masses of the two objects

r is the separation between the two objects

In this situation, we have that the distance between the two objects is reduced in half. Let's call the new distance

`r'=(r)/(2)`

So the new gravitational force F' will be

`F'=G(m_A m_B)/(r'^2)=G (m_A m_B)/(((r)/(2))^2)=4 G (m_A m_B)/(r^2)=4 F`

So, the force increases by a factor 4, therefore the new force will be

`F'=4F=4 \cdot 5 N=20 N`