Question

What will happen to the gravitational force if the mass of one of the objects is doubled?

Hint:

Gravitational force follows the inverse-square law. If distance is tripled, force reduces by a factor of 9. If the mass of one object is doubled, the force doubles.

Answer 1

Step 1: Effect of increasing mass
- The gravitational force is directly proportional to the product of the two masses: \[ F \propto m_1 m_2 \]
Step 2: Doubling the mass
- If one mass (e.g., \( m_1 \)) is doubled: \[ F' = G \frac{(2m_1) m_2}{d^2} \] - This simplifies to: \[ F' = 2F \] Thus, doubling the mass of one object doubles the gravitational force.