Question

The gravitational force between two masses is 20N. what is the gravitational force if the distance between them is doubled?

Answer 1

Given data

*The gravitational force between two masses is F = 20 N

The formula for the gravitational force between the two masses is given as

`F=\frac{\text{GMm}}{r^2}`

As from the given data, if the distance between them is doubled; i.e r =2r. Then the gravitational force between the two masses is given as

`\begin{gathered} F_1=\frac{\text{GMm}}{(2r)^2} \\ =\frac{\text{GMm}}{4r^2} \\ =(F)/(4) \\ =(20)/(4) \\ =5\text{ N } \end{gathered}`