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.Which rock will move faster if the only force involved is their mutual gravitational attraction?
A) rock S
B) Both rocks will move at the same speed.
C) rock T
D) Not enough information is available to answer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's Law of Gravitation, the force of attraction between two objects is directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Therefore, since rock S has a larger mass, the force of attraction between the two rocks will be greater on rock T than on rock S. As a result, rock T will experience a greater acceleration and move faster towards rock S.

Two Rocks (Call Them S and T)are a Distance of 50