Multiple Choice Question

Question

A student claims that gravitational fields exist between objects that are not in contact with each other. She creates a diagram of two figures. The width of the arrows in Figure A and Figure B represent the strength of the gravitational attraction between two objects.

Image

The student claims the gravitational force is greater between the objects in Figure A. Which argument BEST supports her claim?

A.
The masses of the objects in Figure A are less than the masses of the objects in Figure B.

B.
The diameters of the objects in Figure A are greater than the diameters of the objects in Figure B.

C.
The distance between the objects in Figure A is shorter than the distance between the objects in Figure B.

D.
The surface area of the larger object in Figure A is greater than the surface area of the larger object in Figure B.

Answer 1

The argument that BEST supports the student's claim that the gravitational force is greater between the objects in Figure A is:

C. The distance between the objects in Figure A is shorter than the distance between the objects in Figure B.

Gravitational force is influenced by both the masses of the objects and the distance between them. According to Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects decreases with the square of the distance between their centers. Therefore, if the distance between the objects in Figure A is shorter, it would result in a greater gravitational attraction, supporting the student's claim.