Final answer:
The gravitational force between two masses will become 4.0 N if the distance between them is tripled, according to Newton's law of universal gravitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gravitational force between two masses can be calculated using Newton's law of universal gravitation, which states that the force (F) between two masses (m1 and m2) is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance (r) between them:
F = G * (m1 * m2) / r2
If the gravitational force between two masses is 36 N and the distance between them is tripled, the new force can be found by adjusting the distance variable in the equation:
F' = G * (m1 * m2) / (3r)2 = G * (m1 * m2) / (9r2) = F / 9
Therefore, if the original force is 36 N, when the distance is tripled, the new force (F') will be 36 N / 9, which equals 4 N. Thus, the answer to the question is:
A) 4.0 N