Two satellites orbit Earth with the same mass, but satellite A orbits at a distance of 2 Earth radii whereas satellite B orbits at a distance of 3 Earth radii. By what factor is satellite B's gravitational force smaller than A's? (Hint: You are finding the missing number to the statement: Satellite B's force is ___times the size of Satellite A's force.) Express your answer to two significant figures.

1 answer

the gravitational force between the Earth and a satellite
... is inversely proportional to the distance between the enters of mass

A is 3 Earth radii from the center of the Earth

B is 4 Earth radii from the center of the Earth

B / A = 3^2 / 4^2