What happens to the magnitude of the gravitational force if the distance between two masses is reduced to half?

What happens to the magnitude of the gravitational force if the distance between two masses is reduced to half?

When the distance between the two objects is halved, the gravitational force becomes four times.

Proof

According to the universal law of gravitation

The gravitational force F between the two bodies of masses M and m is kept at a distance d from each other such that:;

F = G (m1.m2/r2)

Where,

m1 and m2 are the masses of the two bodies.

G is the gravitational constant.

r is the distance between the two bodies.

Given that the distance is reduced to half then,

r = 1/2 r

While the force between the two bodies is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them which is given as:

F = G (m1.m2/(r/2)2)

F= 4G m1.m2/ r2

Therefore, when the distance is halved, the gravitational between these two bodies becomes four times

Was this answer helpful?

     

3.5 (77)

Thank you. Your Feedback will Help us Serve you better.

The separation between two masses is reduced to half. How is the magnitude of gravitational force between them affected?

Open in App

Suggest Corrections

2

The separation between two masses is reduced to half. How is the magnitude of gravitational force between them affected?

The magnitude of gravitational force between two masses will become four times as gravitational force varies inversely as the square of distance of separation.

Concept: Gravitational Units of Force

  Is there an error in this question or solution?