Question

gravitational force between objects depends on mass and distance. venus and earth have about the same mass. however, the gravitational force between venus and the sun is stronger than the gravitational force between earth and the sun. what is the reason for this difference? venus is closer to the sun. venus and earth are close together. earth is closer to the sun. venus and earth are far apart.

Explanation:

The gravitational force \(F = G\frac{Mm}{r^{2}}\), where \(G\) is the gravitational - constant, \(M\) and \(m\) are the masses of the two objects, and \(r\) is the distance between them. Since Venus and Earth have about the same mass, and Venus is closer to the Sun (\(r\) is smaller for the Sun - Venus system compared to the Sun - Earth system), according to the formula, the gravitational force between Venus and the Sun is stronger.

Answer:

Venus is closer to the Sun.