Suppose that Earth suddenly collapsed to one- fourth of its present radius. Compared to your present weight, your weight would then be
A) 16 times smaller.
B) 4 times larger.
C) 16 times larger.
D) 8 times larger.
E) unchanged.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the radius. If the radius is reduced to one-fourth, the gravitational force (and thus weight) increases by a factor of 16 (since (1/0.25)^2 = 16).

Suppose That Earth Suddenly Collapsed to One- Fourth of Its