Question

a gravitational force acts between two objects. which statement best describes what will happen to the gravitational force acting between the objects if the mass of both objects is increased? the gravitational force will decrease. the gravitational force will become zero. the gravitational force will increase. the gravitational force will not be affected.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall gravitational - force formula

The gravitational force formula is $F = G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$, where $F$ is the gravitational force, $G$ is the gravitational constant, $m_1$ and $m_2$ are the masses of the two objects, and $r$ is the distance between them.

Step2: Analyze the effect of mass increase

If $m_1$ and $m_2$ increase while $r$ and $G$ remain constant, the product $m_1m_2$ in the numerator of the formula increases. Since $F$ is directly proportional to $m_1m_2$, the gravitational force $F$ will increase.

Answer:

The gravitational force will increase.