Two rocks (call them S and T) are a distance of 50 km from one another. Rock S has 20 times the mass of rock T. Considering only their mutual gravitational force, which rock will accelerate faster in response to gravity?
A) rock S
B) rock T
C) Both rocks will have the same acceleration.
D) not enough information available to answer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acceleration due to gravity is directly proportional to the mass of the object. Since rock S has 20 times the mass of rock T, it will experience 1/20th the acceleration due to gravity compared to rock T. Therefore, rock T will accelerate faster in response to gravity.

Two Rocks (Call Them S and T) Are a Distance