Question

1. in the equation f = gm1m2/r², what does “r” represent? a) radius of one object b) distance between the centers of masses c) rotational speed d) radius of earth

Explanation:

The equation \( F = G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2} \) is Newton's law of universal gravitation, where \( F \) is the gravitational force between two masses \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \), \( G \) is the gravitational constant, and \( r \) is the distance between the centers of the two masses. Option A is incorrect because it's not the radius of one object. Option C is incorrect as rotational speed is not represented by \( r \) here. Option D is incorrect as \( r \) is not specifically the radius of Earth (it applies to any two masses). Option B correctly describes what \( r \) represents.

Answer:

B) Distance between the centers of masses