Question

If two objects experience a gravitational force of 3.9x10^4 N, and the distance between them is doubled, what is the new force?

a) 1.95 * 10^4N

b) 7.8 * 10^4N

c) 1.95 * 10^5N

d) 7.8 * 10^5N

Answer 1

When the distance between two objects is doubled, the gravitational force between them is reduced by a factor of four. Therefore, the new force is 1.95 x 10^4 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gravitational force between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, as stated by Newton's law of universal gravitation. When the distance between two objects is doubled, the gravitational force is reduced by a factor of 2 squared, which is 4. To find the new force, you divide the original force (3.9 x 104 N) by 4.

Calculating the new force:
Original force = 3.9 x 104 N
New distance factor = 22 = 4
New force = Original force / New distance factor
New force = 3.9 x 104 N / 4
New force = 0.975 x 104 N
New force = 9.75 x 103 N, which is equivalent to 1.95 x 104 N when rewritten in scientific notation.