When the distance between two stars decreases by half, the force between them
A) increases to four times as much.
B) decreases by one-quarter.
C) decreases by one-half.
D) increases to twice as much.
E) stays the same.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force between two masses is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them (Newton's law of universal gravitation). Therefore, if the distance is halved, the force increases by a factor of $ (1/0.5)^2 = 4 $.

When the Distance Between Two Stars Decreases by Half, the Force