Gravitational force between two doubled masses and distance – Rankers Physics
Topic: Gravitation
Subtopic: Newton's Law of Gravitation

Gravitational force between two doubled masses and distance

The gravitational force of attraction between two bodies is \(F\) newtons. If the mass of each body and the distance between them are doubled, then the gravitational force between them in newton is
\(16 F\)
\(F/16\)
\(F/4\)
\(F\)

Solution:

Formula of gravitational force is \(F = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}\). If masses and distance are doubled: \(F' = \frac{G(2m_1)(2m_2)}{(2r)^2} = \frac{4 G m_1 m_2}{4 r^2} = F\). Thus, the force remains unchanged.

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