An object of mass m is on the surface of the Earth.The distance to the Sun and the Moon are d_S and d_M,and the masses of the Sun and Moon are M_S and M_M.What is the ratio of the gravitational force from the Sun to that of the Moon on the object? A)M_SM_M/d_Sd_M B)M_SM_M/d²_Sd²_M C)M_Sd²_M /M_Md²_M D)M_Md²_S /M_Sd²_M

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force is proportional to the mass of the attracting body and inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Thus, the ratio of the forces is (M_S/d_S^2) / (M_M/d_M^2) = M_S * d_M^2 / (M_M * d_S^2).

An Object of Mass M Is on the Surface of the Earth.The