Question

Which pair of objects has the greatest gravitational attraction?

objects S and T
objects U and V
objects W and X
objects Y and Z

Answer 1

Objects S and T

Step-by-step explanation:

Gravitational Force F is directly proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distances between them

F ∝ m₁ m₂/r²

where m₁ m₂ are the masses of the two objects

r = distance between them

This means the larger the masses the greater the force

The more the distance, the less the force

Looking at the table we see that the greatest mass is 2 kg for each object so m₁ = m₂ = m and m₁ \cdot m₂= m²
There are 2 distances for this mass 1 and 2. Choose the lower distance ie r = 1 m

Therefore this combination of masses and distance yields the greatest attraction
Greatest Force is between Objects S and T

OR

we can rewrite the proportionality relationship as an equation

`F = k\cdot (m^2)/(r^2)`

Plugging in values for m = 2, r = 1 yields the greatest value:

`F = k\cdot (2^2)/(1^2) = 4k`

Therefore this combination of masses and distance yields the greatest attraction

Objects S and T