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.

This is because, according to the law of universal gravitation, the force of gravitational attraction between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Therefore, if the distance between the objects in Figure A is shorter, the gravitational force between them would be greater compared to the gravitational force between the objects in Figure B.