Multiple Choice
In Newton’s law of universal gravitation, , which two qualities of objects determine the strength of the gravitational force between them?
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8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation
Newton's Law of Gravity
Multiple Choice
According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the magnitude of the gravitational force between two point masses is . Which variables determine the value of (assuming is constant)?
A
The electric charges of the objects and the distance
B
Only the distance between the masses
C
The masses and and the acceleration due to gravity
D
, , and
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall Newton's law of universal gravitation, which states that the gravitational force \(F\) between two point masses is given by the formula:
\[F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}\]
where \(G\) is the gravitational constant, \(m_1\) and \(m_2\) are the masses of the two objects, and \(r\) is the distance between their centers.
Identify the variables in the formula that affect the gravitational force \(F\). Since \(G\) is a constant, the variables that determine \(F\) are \(m_1\), \(m_2\), and \(r\).
Understand that the force is directly proportional to the product of the two masses \(m_1\) and \(m_2\), meaning if either mass increases, the force increases proportionally.
Recognize that the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance \(r\) between the masses, so as \(r\) increases, the force decreases by the square of that distance.
Note that other quantities such as electric charges or acceleration due to gravity \(g\) do not appear in this formula and therefore do not determine the gravitational force between the two masses.
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