Question

The separation distance between two 1.0 kg masses is changed. How is the mutual gravitational force affected if separation distance is 5 times the original distance.? (Assume F₂ represents the new force and F₁ represents the original force.)

a. 0.04
b. 1
c. 5
d. 0.25

Answer 1

The mutual gravitational force between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of their separation distance. If the separation distance is increased by a factor of 5, the new force will be 1/25 (or 0.04 times) the original force.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mutual gravitational force between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of their separation distance. So, if the separation distance is increased by a factor of 5, the new force (F₂) will be 1/25 (or 0.04 times) the original force (F₁). Therefore, the correct answer is a. 0.04.