Physics Technology Update (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32190-308-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-308-2

Chapter 12 - Gravity - Problems and Conceptual Exercises - Page 409: 1

Answer

Gravitational forces: $B\lt A \lt C \lt D$

Work Step by Step

According to Newton's universal law of gravitation $F=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$ For system A $F_A=G\frac{mm}{r^2}=G\frac{m^2}{r^2}$ For system B $F_B=G\frac{m(2m)}{(2r)^2}=G\frac{m^2}{2r^2}$ For system C $F_C=G\frac{(2m)(3m)}{(2r)^2}=G\frac{3m^2}{2r^2}$ for system D $F_D=G\frac{(4m)(5m)}{(3r)^2}=G\frac{20m^2}{9r^2}$ Now, by comparing the above quantities, we can conclude that the forces rank as: $B\lt A \lt C \lt D$
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