To determine the gravitational attraction between two objects, we can use Newton's law of universal gravitation, which states that the gravitational force (F) between two masses (m1 and m2) is given by the formula:
\[ F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} \]
Where:
- \( F \) is the gravitational force between the objects,
- \( G \) is the gravitational constant,
- \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) are the masses of the two objects,
- \( r \) is the distance between the centers of the two objects.
Since the distance (1 meter) and the gravitational constant (G) are constant in this scenario, the gravitational attraction depends solely on the product of the masses (\( m_1 m_2 \)) of the two objects.
Let's calculate the products of the masses for the different pairs:
-
Between the book (860 g) and the cereal box (500 g): \[ 860 \times 500 = 430,000 \]
-
Between the paper clip (1 g) and the penny (2.5 g): \[ 1 \times 2.5 = 2.5 \]
-
Between the penny (2.5 g) and the small pot (1,200 g): \[ 2.5 \times 1200 = 3,000 \]
-
Between the small pot (1,200 g) and the book (860 g): \[ 1200 \times 860 = 1,032,000 \]
Now, comparing the results:
- Book and cereal box: 430,000
- Paper clip and penny: 2.5
- Penny and small pot: 3,000
- Small pot and book: 1,032,000
The greatest gravitational attraction is between the small pot and the book since their product (1,032,000) is the highest.
Thus, the correct response is: between the small pot and the book.
1 answer