Gravity obeys an inverse square relation. This statement implies that the force due to gravity between two masses
A)will increase as the distance between the two masses increases.
B)will decrease as the square of the distance between the two masses increases.
C)will cause the two masses to move away from each other.
D)will cause the two masses to move in a straight line.
E)will cause the two masses to orbit each other.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The inverse square relation means that the force between two masses decreases as the square of the distance between them increases. Mathematically, this can be expressed as F = G(m1m2)/(r^2), where F is the force of gravity, G is the universal gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between them. As r increases, the force of gravity decreases because it is divided by r^2.

Gravity Obeys an Inverse Square Relation