Question

multiple choice question
why are small objects not attracted to each other?

they are too close together to cause a change in motion.
they are too small to exert a gravitational force.
they have no mass to exert a gravitational force.
their masses are too small to cause a change in motion.

need help? review these concept resources.
read about the concept
rate your confidence to submit your answer

Explanation:

All objects with mass exert gravitational force, per Newton's law of universal gravitation $F=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$. Small objects do have mass and exert a tiny gravitational force on each other, but their masses are so small that the resulting force is insufficient to overcome other forces (like friction) and produce a noticeable change in their motion. The other options are incorrect: proximity does not prevent motion change, small objects do exert gravity, and they do have mass.

Answer:

D. Their masses are too small to cause a change in motion.