Final answer:
The gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, as stated by Newton's universal law of gravitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between distance and gravitational force follows Newton's universal law of gravitation. This law describes that the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. It's an important concept in physics because it helps us understand how objects in the universe attract each other, keeping planets in orbit and forming the structure of galaxies.
As the distance (r) between two objects increases, the gravitational force decreases rapidly, specifically with the square of the distance. Conversely, if the distance is halved, the gravitational force increases by a factor of four. This inverse square relationship is crucial in the study of celestial mechanics and astrophysics.