Question

The gravitational force between two objects is 2000 N. The mass of each object is reduced to one-third of its original mass.

How must the distance between the objects change to keep the gravitational force between them 2000 N?

Answer 1

The answer is B. The distance must be one-third the original distance.

Answer 2

one third

Step-by-step explanation:

F = 2000 N

Initially, masses are m1 and m2 and the distance between the two masses be r.

Now, the masses are changed.

m1' = m1 / 3, m2' = m2 / 3

Let the new distance between the two masses is r'.

F = G m1 x m2 / r^2 ..... (1)

F = G m1' x m2' / r'^2

F = G (m1/3) (m2/3) / r'^2

Substitute the value of F from equation (1)

G m1 x m2 / r^2 = G m1 x m2 / 9 r'^2

By solving we get

r' = r /3

Thus, the distance between them is also one third.