If Newton's law of universal gravitation turned out to be Gm₁m₂/r rather than Gm₁m₂/r², tides on Earth A) would still occur because each side of the Earth would feel a different gravitational force from the Moon. B) would not happen because the force of gravity from the Moon would be too strong. C) would not occur because the Sun would cancel out the Moon's gravity. D) would not occur because gravity would then be a repulsive force.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The revised formula still includes the distance between the Earth and the Moon (r), so the gravitational force from the Moon would still vary across the surface of the Earth, causing tides to occur.

If Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation Turned Out to Be