The gravitational attraction between two objects can be calculated using Newton's law of universal gravitation, which states that the gravitational force \( F \) between two masses \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) separated by a distance \( r \) is given by:
\[ F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} \]
Where \( G \) is the gravitational constant. Given that the distance \( r \) is the same (1 meter) for all pairs, the gravitational attraction will depend solely on the product of their masses.
Let's evaluate the different pairs of objects using their masses:
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Between the book (860 g) and the cereal box (500 g): \[ F_1 = 860 \times 500 = 430,000 \]
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Between the penny (2.5 g) and the small pot (1,200 g): \[ F_2 = 2.5 \times 1,200 = 3,000 \]
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Between the small pot (1,200 g) and the book (860 g): \[ F_3 = 1,200 \times 860 = 1,032,000 \]
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Between the paper clip (1.0 g) and the penny (2.5 g): \[ F_4 = 1.0 \times 2.5 = 2.5 \]
Now, comparing the results:
- \( F_1 = 430,000 \)
- \( F_2 = 3,000 \)
- \( F_3 = 1,032,000 \)
- \( F_4 = 2.5 \)
The greatest gravitational attraction is between the small pot and the book, with a gravitational force of 1,032,000. So the answer is between the small pot and the book.