If the gravitational force between two objects is 20 N and the distance between them is doubled, what will be the new force?

1 question

1 item

Q: If the gravitational force between two objects is 20 N and the distance between them is doubled, what will be the new force?

Solution: F is inversely proportional to r². If r is doubled, F becomes F/4 = 20 N / 4 = 5 N.

Steps: 8

Step 1: Understand that gravitational force (F) depends on the distance (r) between two objects.
Step 2: Remember that gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance (r). This means if the distance increases, the force decreases.
Step 3: If the distance is doubled, we can say r becomes 2r.
Step 4: Since F is inversely proportional to r², we can write the new force as F' = F / (2²).
Step 5: Calculate 2², which is 4.
Step 6: Now, substitute the original force (20 N) into the equation: F' = 20 N / 4.
Step 7: Perform the division: 20 N / 4 = 5 N.
Step 8: Conclude that the new gravitational force when the distance is doubled is 5 N.