In Newton's model of an infinite universe with stars distributed smoothly throughout, an individual star would feel:
A)a preponderance of force pulling it toward the center of the universe.
B)a preponderance of force pushing it away from the center of the universe.
C)equal forces pulling in every direction, resulting in no net force.
D)forces that would vary greatly from one part of the universe to another.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a universe with stars distributed smoothly throughout, each star would feel gravitational forces pulling in every direction from all the other stars. Since the gravitational forces would be distributed evenly in all directions, the net force on the star would be zero, and it would not feel any force pulling it toward or away from the center of the universe.

In Newton's Model of an Infinite Universe with Stars Distributed