Question

1. which of the following statements are true about gravitational force? identify all that apply.

a. the gravitational force only acts between very, very massive objects.
b. the gravitational force between an object and the earth is inversely related to the distance between the objects and the earths center.
c. the gravitational force acting upon an object is the same as the weight of the object.
d. the gravitational force between two objects is independent of the mass of the smaller of the two objects.
e. if object a gravitationally attracts object b with a force of x newtons, then object b will also gravitationally attract object a with the same force of x newtons.
f. the doubling of the separation distance (measured from the center) between two objects will halve (½) the gravitational force between the objects.
g. if an object is placed two earth-radii above the surface of the earth, then the force of gravitational attraction between the object and the earth will be one-fourth the magnitude as on earths surface.
h. orbiting astronauts do not experience a force of gravity; this explains why they feel weightless.

Explanation:

• A: Gravitational force acts between all objects with mass, not just massive ones (weaker for small masses, but exists).
• B: Gravitational force follows an inverse-square law with distance, not inverse.
• C: Weight is defined as the gravitational force exerted on an object by a celestial body (like Earth).
• D: Gravitational force depends on the product of both masses, so it relies on the smaller mass.
• E: Newton's third law states that gravitational forces between two objects are equal and opposite.
• F: Doubling distance reduces force to $\frac{1}{4}$ (inverse-square relationship), not $\frac{1}{2}$.
• G: At 2 Earth radii above the surface, total distance from Earth's center is $3R$; force scales to $\frac{1}{9}$ of surface gravity, not $\frac{1}{4}$.
• H: Orbiting astronauts experience gravity (it provides centripetal force); weightlessness comes from free fall.

Answer:

C. The gravitational force acting upon an object is the same as the weight of the object.
E. If object A gravitationally attracts object B with a force of X Newtons, then object B will also gravitationally attract object A with the same force of X Newtons.