Gravitational attraction between two objects depends on 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 the objects (which is constant at 1 meter in this case).
To find the greatest gravitational attraction, we need to look for the pair of objects with the largest product of their masses.
Let's calculate the products of the pairs:
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Between the book (860 g) and the cereal box (500 g): \[ 860 \times 500 = 430,000 \]
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Between the small pot (1,200 g) and the book (860 g): \[ 1,200 \times 860 = 1,032,000 \]
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Between the paper clip (1.0 g) and the penny (2.5 g): \[ 1.0 \times 2.5 = 2.5 \]
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Between the penny (2.5 g) and the small pot (1,200 g): \[ 2.5 \times 1,200 = 3,000 \]
Now we compare the products:
- Book and cereal box: 430,000
- Small pot and book: 1,032,000
- Paper clip and penny: 2.5
- Penny and small pot: 3,000
The greatest product of masses is between the small pot and the book (1,032,000 grams).
Thus, the correct response is:
between the small pot and the book.
1 answer