Gravitational force when distance triples
Two asteroids are moved so the distance between their centers is three times larger. The gravitational force between them becomes:
Answer A: explanation for every choice
A
Correct. F ∝ 1/r², so tripling r divides the force by 3² = 9.
B
This treats gravity as falling off with 1/r.
C
Gravity weakens with distance.
D
This is the change if the distance were cut to one-third.
TakeawayGravity and Coulomb forces both follow 1/r².
Equation usedNewton's law of gravitation
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