PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
Two point masses m1 and m2 are separated by a distance r. The force between them is observed to change when the separation is altered.
(i) State the relationship between the gravitational force and the separation of the masses.
(ii) Using this relationship, explain quantitatively why the force becomes one–fourth of its original value when the separation is doubled.
(iii) If the separation is reduced to one-half of its original value, by what factor will the force change? Justify your answer.