Question

The distance between twin satellites that were originally 150 meters apart are now 300 meters apart. Which best describes the gravitational force between the twin satellites? A) it increased by 1/2 B) it decreased by 1/4 C) it increased by a factor of 2 D) it decreased by a factor of 4

Answer 1

The answer is B. 1/4. Distance between the two is greater resulting in less gravitational force.

Answer 2

Answer : (B) it decreased by 1/4

Explanation :

It is given that :

The distance between twin satellites that were originally 150 meters apart are now 300 meters apart.

When the satellites are 150 m apart then the gravitational force is :

$F=G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{(150\ m) ^2}$..........(1)

Similarly, when the satellites are 300 m apart then the gravitational force is :

$F'=G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{(300\ m) ^2}$...........(2)

From eq (1) and (2)

$\dfrac{F_c}{F_c'}=4$

$F_c'=\dfrac{F_c}{4}$

So, the gravitational force between the twin satellites is decreased by 1/4.

Hence, the correct option is (b).