Question

Two objects separated by a distance r gravitationally attract each other with force F. If the distance between them is tripled, the force of attraction between them is

• A. \( F \)
• B. \( \frac{F}{9} \)
• C. \( \frac{F}{3} \)
• D. \( \frac{F}{6} \)

Hint:

When dealing with gravitational force problems, remember that the force varies inversely with the square of the distance.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the force of attraction is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between two objects: \[ F \propto \frac{1}{r^2} \] If the distance between the objects is tripled, the new force becomes: \[ F' = \frac{F}{3^2} = \frac{F}{9} \]
Thus, the new force is \( \frac{F}{9} \).