2023 · Q4
If the Moon is brought closer to the Earth such that its distance from the Earth becomes half of the original distance, then the gravitational force of attraction between the Earth and the Moon would:
General KnowledgePhysics
- Areduce to half of its original value.
- Bincrease to two times of its original value.
- Cremain the same as the original value.
- Dincrease to four times of its original value.
Explanation
Newton's law of gravitation gives F = GMm/r^2, so the attractive force is inversely proportional to the square of the separation. Halving the distance multiplies the force by (1/(1/2))^2 = 4. Hence the gravitational force between the Earth and the Moon increases to four times its original value.