Question

If $F$ is the gravitational force between two objects of masses $m_1$ and $m_2$ separated by a distance $R$. Find out the new magnitude of the gravitational force between them if we double the distance between them ?

• A. $F/4$
• B. $F/2$
• C. $F$
• D. $2F$
• E. $4F$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$F/4$

Gravitational force between two masses $m_1$ and $m_2$ separated by a distance $R$ is given by

$F=G{m}_1{m}_2/R^2$

if the distance is doubled then new gravitational force will be

$F^{\prime }=G{m}_1{m}_2/{\left(2R\right)}^2$

or $F^{\prime }=G{m}_1{m}_2/4R^2$

or $F^{\prime }=F/4$