If the distance between the Earth and Sun were cut in half, the gravitational force between these two objects would:
A) decrease by 4
B) decrease by 2
C) increase by 2
D) increase by 4
E) decrease by 8

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, according to Newton's law of universal gravitation. Therefore, if the distance between the Earth and Sun were halved (i.e. decreased by a factor of 2), the gravitational force between them would increase by a factor of 2² = 4. Therefore, the correct answer is D) increase by 4.

If the Distance Between the Earth and Sun Were Cut