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.

1 answer

The true statements about gravitational force are:

  1. It is directed inward from the center of an object. - True. Gravitational force pulls objects toward each other, which means it is directed inward.

  2. It gets stronger as two objects are brought closer together. - True. The gravitational force increases as the distance between the objects decreases, according to Newton's law of universal gravitation.

  3. It gets weaker as the mass of an object decreases. - True, but it's worth noting that the gravitational force also depends on the mass of the other object. If one object's mass decreases, the overall gravitational attraction can decrease.

  4. It exists between any pair of objects. - True. Gravitational force acts between any two objects with mass, regardless of whether they are touching or not.

The false statements are:

  • It is directed outward from the center of an object. - False. Gravitational force is not directed outward; it is always attractive, pulling objects toward each other.

  • It exists only between objects that are touching one another. - False. Gravitational force acts over a distance and does not require contact between objects.

So, the correct true statements are:

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