Question

Using a torsion balance similar to the one used in the Cavendish experiment, a group of scientists determined that the force of gravity between the small masses (q) and the large masses (q) was 1.80×10^−3 N when their separation distance (d) was 0.10m. Suppose the separation distance (d) was then tripled to 0.30m, what is the new force of gravity between q and q? Explain your answer using words or proportionality equations.

Answer 1

The force of gravity between two masses is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. To calculate the new force of gravity when the separation distance is tripled, we can use the proportionality equation. Substituting the given values and solving for the new force of gravity will give us the answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The force of gravity between two masses is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This relationship is described by the equation:

F ∝ 1/d^2

where F is the force of gravity and d is the separation distance.

In this case, the force of gravity between the small masses (q) and the large masses (q) is 1.80×10^−3 N when their separation distance (d) is 0.10 m. If the separation distance is tripled to 0.30 m, we can use the proportionality equation to calculate the new force of gravity:

F1/F2 = (d1^2)/(d2^2)

Substituting the given values:

F1/ (1.80×10^−3 N) = (0.10 m)^2 / (0.30 m)^2

Simplifying the equation, we can solve for F2, the new force of gravity.