What happens to the gravitational force if the distance between two objects becomes six times larger?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Becomes 36 times smaller
Explanation:
According to Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. If the distance between the two objects becomes six times larger, the new gravitational force becomes one over six squared, which is equal to one-thirty-sixth of the original force. Therefore, the gravitational force decreases and becomes 36 times smaller.
Key Points:
The inverse-square law dictates that any increase in distance leads to a rapid decrease in gravitational attraction.
If the distance is doubled, the force becomes four times smaller; if tripled, nine times smaller; and if increased sixfold, thirty-six times smaller.
This principle applies universally to all masses in the universe, governing planetary orbits and celestial mechanics.
Important Questions and Answers:
Question: According to Newton's law, how is gravitational force related to the distance between two masses?
Answer: It is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Question: What happens to the gravitational force if the distance between objects is halved?
Answer: It becomes four times larger.