Question

What would happen to the force of gravity between two objects if their separation distance is reduced threefold?

a) It decreases to one-third of its original value.
b) It increases threefold.
c) It remains the same.
d) It becomes zero.

Answer 1

Reducing the separation distance between two objects threefold would increase the force of gravity between them ninefold according to the inverse square law of gravity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The force of gravity between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, according to Newton's law of universal gravitation. If the distance between the objects is reduced threefold, the separation distance is decreased to one third. In this case, we must square the new distance fraction which is (1/3)2 = 1/9. However, since the distance is reduced, not increased, the force will actually increase by the inverse of this factor. Consequently, if the distance is reduced threefold, the gravitational force increases ninefold. Therefore, the force of gravity between the objects will increase to nine times its original value, not by threefold, not remain the same, and not decrease to one-third or become zero.