If the distance between two gravitational point masses is doubled, by what factor does the gravitational attraction between them change?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. It decreases by a factor of 4
- Step 1: Newton's law of gravitation states F = G m_1 m_2 / r^2. Step 2. Doubling r gives F' = G m_1 m_2 / (2r)^2 = F / 4, reducing force by a factor of 4. Answer: It decreases by a factor of 4. Why not the others: The inverse-square relationship arises from the spherical geometry of gravitational flux in 3D space.
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