The gravitational attraction A between two masses varies inversely as the square of the distance between them. The force of attraction is 2.25 lb when the masses are 4 ft apart, what is the attraction when the masses are 6 ft
Apart?
A) 2 lb
B) 4 lb
C) 1 lb
D) 3 lb

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational attraction varies inversely as the square of the distance, so when the distance increases from 4 ft to 6 ft (which is a factor of 1.5), the attraction decreases by the square of this factor (1.5^2 = 2.25). Therefore, the new attraction is 2.25 lb / 2.25 = 1 lb.

The Gravitational Attraction a Between Two Masses Varies Inversely as the Square