Question

Two objects gravitationally attract with a force of 100 N. If the mass of one object is doubled and the mass of the other object.is tripled,
what is the new gravitational force?

Answer 1

Hello!

Recall the equation for gravitational force:
$F_g = \frac{Gm_1m_2}{r^2}$

Fg = Force of gravity (N)
G = Gravitational constant

m1, m2 = masses of objects (kg)
r = distance between the objects' center of masses (m)

There is a DIRECT relationship between mass and gravitational force.

We are given:
$F_g = 100N$

If we were to double one mass and triple another, according to the equation:
$F'_g = \frac{G(2m_1)(3m_2)}{r^2} = 6(\frac{G(m_1)(m_2)}{r^2}) = 6F_g$

Thus:
$6 * F_g = 6 * 100 = \boxed{600N}$