To determine which picture shows the least gravitational force, we need to consider two key factors that affect gravitational attraction: the mass of the objects and the distance between them.
According to the law of universal gravitation, the gravitational force (F) between two objects is given by the formula:
\[ F = \frac{G \cdot m_1 \cdot m_2}{r^2} \]
where:
- \( G \) 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.
- Mass: Larger mass results in a stronger gravitational force.
- Distance: Greater distance results in a weaker gravitational force.
With these principles in mind, picture IV shows the least gravitational force because it describes the objects as having smaller mass and larger distance between them. Larger mass would exert a stronger force, while greater distance would weaken the gravitational attraction.
Thus, the correct response is:
Picture IV because the objects have smaller mass and larger distance between them.