Question

If the distance between two bodies is reduced to half, the force of gravitation between them is

• A. decreased by two times
• B. increased by four times
• C. increased by two times
• D. decreased by four times

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

increased by four times

According to newton's law of gravitation,

Force between two masses $F=\frac{GMm}{r^2}$

If distance is halved $r=r/2$

$F^{\prime }=\frac{GMm}{{\left(\frac{r}{2}\right)}^2}=\frac{4GMm}{r^2}=4F$

Hence, the distance between mass reduces to half then gravitation force increases by four times.

Thus, option (B) is correct