Question

Two objects exert a gravitational force of 3 N on one another when they are 10 m apart. What would that forced be if the distance between the two objects were reduced to 5 m?

Answer 1

New force = 12 N

Step-by-step explanation:

The gravitational force between two masses is given by :

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

Where

d is the distance between masses

Initial force, F₁ = 3 B

Initial distance, d₁ = 10 m

Final distance, d₂ = 5 m

According to the above relation,

`(F_1)/(F_2)=(r_2^2)/(r_1^2)\\\\F_2=(F_1r_1^2)/(r_2^2)\\\\F_2=(3* 10^2)/(5^2)\\\\F_2=12\ N`

So, the new force is 12 N.