Physics Review Question

Unit: Mechanics
Year: 1991 Question#: 11
Question: If the Earth were twice as massive as it is now, then the gravitational force between it and the sun would be

(1 ) the same
(2 ) twice as great
(3 ) half as great
(4 ) four times as great

What is this question really asking?


Explanation by: Dustin C

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Answer 1
the same

INCORRECT

This answer is incorrect because . If one value changes the entire equation will change so it would not remain the same. return to top























Answer 2
twice as great

CORRECT

This answer is correct because you use the formula and if one of the masses is twice as massive (2*m), then the force is twice as great. return to top



























Answer 3
half as great

INCORRECT

This is incorrect because if we examine the formula , any increase in mass will increase the forceof attraction (gravity). So, in this case the mass was increased so the force could not be half as great. return to top


























Answer 4
four times as great

INCORRECT

This answer is incorrect because it has only increased its mass by 2 not four, so it couldn't have a gravitational force four times as great. This could only happen if both masses are doubled. return to top


























What's this question really asking?

This question is really asking how gravitational force is related to mass. return to top

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