When two masses are a distance R apart,each exerts a force of magnitude F on the other.When the distance between them is changed to 4R,the force is changed to
A)16F
B)4F
C)F/2
D)F/4
E)F/16

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force between two masses is given by Newton's law of universal gravitation, which states that the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the two masses. Therefore, if the distance is increased to 4R, the force becomes $F/(4^2) = F/16$.

When Two Masses Are a Distance R Apart,each Exerts a Force