Question

Which statements are true about a gravitational force? Choose all that apply.
A. It is directed outward from the center of an object.
B. It is directed inward from the center of an object.
C. It gets stronger as two objects are brought closer together.
D. It gets weaker as the mass of an object decreases.
E. It exists only between objects that are touching one another.
F. It exists between any pair of objects.

Answer 1

Correct: B, C, D, F.

- B true: Gravity is attractive — it points toward (inward to) the center of the mass producing the field.
- C true: By Newton’s law, F = G m1 m2 / r^2, so the force grows as the separation r decreases.
- D true: F is proportional to each mass, so if a mass decreases the force decreases.
- F true: Gravity is a long-range force; every pair of masses attracts each other (no contact required).

A and E are false for the reasons above.