Gravitational attraction between two objects is determined by their masses and the distance between them. According to the formula for gravitational force, \( F = \frac{G \cdot m_1 \cdot m_2}{r^2} \), where \( F \) is the gravitational force, \( G \) is the gravitational constant, \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) are the masses of the two objects, and \( r \) is the distance between their centers.
To find the greatest gravitational attraction, we need to look for the pair of objects with the greatest product of their masses:
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Between the book (860 g) and the cereal box (500 g):
- Product: \( 860 \times 500 = 430,000 \)
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Between the paper clip (1.0 g) and the penny (2.5 g):
- Product: \( 1.0 \times 2.5 = 2.5 \)
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Between the small pot (1200 g) and the book (860 g):
- Product: \( 1200 \times 860 = 1,032,000 \)
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Between the penny (2.5 g) and the small pot (1200 g):
- Product: \( 2.5 \times 1200 = 3,000 \)
Comparing the products, we find:
- Book and cereal box: 430,000
- Paper clip and penny: 2.5
- Small pot and book: 1,032,000
- Penny and small pot: 3,000
The greatest gravitational attraction occurs between the small pot and the book because their product of masses is the highest (1,032,000).
Therefore, the answer is: between the small pot and the book.
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