Question

The diagrams show objects’ gravitational pull toward each other.

3 diagrams labeled X, Y, and Z. X: 2 circles approximatley 2 inches apart, arrows from each circle pointing to the opposite circle. Y: 2 larger circles the same distance apart as in X, with thicker arrows from each circle pointing to the opposite circle. Z: 2 circles the same size as in X, but much farther apart, thinner arrows from each circle pointing to the opposite circle.





Which statement describes the relationship between diagram X and Y?

Gravity attracts only larger objects toward one another.
Gravity attracts larger objects only if they are close to one another.
If the masses of the objects increase, then the force between them also increases.
If distance between the objects increases, then the amount of force also increases.

Answer 1

If the masses of the objects increase, then the force between them also increases.

Explanation: The distance is the same in X and Y but the objects in Y are more massive, and gravity is proportional to the product of the masses (Newton’s law of gravitation), so the force increases.