Question

Two objects of equal mass are floating in space at a distance of 2.5 meters (m)apart. Which of the following will produce the greatest increase in the gravitational force between the two objects?

Answer 1

reducing the mass of both objects by half

Explanation:

Gravity is only affected by mass and distance, so reducing mass or distance will alter the objects.

Answer 2

Decreasing the distance between the two objects by half.

Explanation:

From Newton's law of universal gravitation, it can be observed that the force of attraction between two given objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Therefore, varying of the distance either increase or decrease the force.

Since the objects have equal mass, to produce the greatest increase in the gravitational force between, reduce the distance between them by half.