Mutual gravitational attraction between two masses in space is 4,170 Newtons. What is the new gravitational force between these masses if the distance changes from 864 kilometers to 371 kilometers?

Question

Need to find the new gravitational force when the distances given change.

Answer 1

With this question you just need to analyze the distances which follow an inverse square relationship.

Since the new distance is closer, the force will increase. Using the universal gravitation equation the ratio of the new force to the old force will be 864^2/371^2 = 5.42. Therefore the new force will be 4170 N x 5.42 which is 22,600 N