The three correct statements about Newton's theory of universal gravitation are:
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Gravitational force increases as the distance between objects decreases. - This statement is true because the gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the centers of two masses (as described by the equation \( F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} \)).
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The theory applies to all objects in the universe. - This is true as Newton's law of universal gravitation applies universally to all objects with mass, not just those on Earth.
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Gravitational force increases as the mass of objects increases. - This statement is also true because the gravitational force is directly proportional to the product of the masses of the two objects.
The other statements are incorrect.