A gravitational force is exerted by a large mass on a small mass a certain distance away. If the separation is increased to 3 times its original value and the large and small masses are then switched, what will happen to the gravitational force?
A) It will remain the same.
B) It will increase by a factor of 3.
C) It will decrease by a factor of 3.
D) It will decrease by a factor of 9.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force between two masses is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. If the distance is increased to 3 times its original value, the force decreases by a factor of 3^2, which is 9. Switching the masses does not affect the magnitude of the force.

A Gravitational Force Is Exerted by a Large Mass on a Small