Which statements are true about a gravitational force? Choose all that apply. (4 points) Responses It is directed outward from the center of an object. It is directed outward from the center of an object. It is directed inward from the center of an object. It is directed inward from the center of an object. It gets stronger as two objects are brought closer together. It gets stronger as two objects are brought closer together. It gets weaker as the mass of an object decreases. It gets weaker as the mass of an object decreases. It exists only between objects that are touching one another. It exists only between objects that are touching one another. It exists between any pair of objects.

Answer 1

Here are the true statements about gravitational force:

1. It is directed inward from the center of an object.
2. It gets stronger as two objects are brought closer together.
3. It gets weaker as the mass of an object decreases. (This statement can be a bit misleading, as gravitational force weakens with the decrease in mass of one of the objects but the force itself does not weaken overall; it simply changes depending on the masses involved.)
4. It exists between any pair of objects.

The false statements are:

• It is directed outward from the center of an object. (Gravitational force is always an attractive force directed inward.)
• It exists only between objects that are touching one another. (Gravitational force acts at a distance and does not require contact between objects.)

So the correct responses are:

• It is directed inward from the center of an object.
• It gets stronger as two objects are brought closer together.
• It exists between any pair of objects.