In: Physics
System A has masses m and m separated by a distance r; system B has masses m and 2m separated by a distance 2r; system C has masses 2m and 3m separated by a distance 2r; and system D has masses 4m and 5m separated by a distance 3r.
Rank these systems in order of decreasing gravitational force.
If rank items are equivalent, state as such; if the correct ranking cannot be determined, state as such.
Gravitational constant = G
System A
Mass of the first object = m
Mass of the second object = m
Distance between the two objects = r
Gravitational force between the two objects = F1
System B
Mass of the first object = m
Mass of the second object = 2m
Distance between the two objects = 2r
Gravitational force between the two objects = F2
System C
Mass of the first object = 2m
Mass of the second object = 3m
Distance between the two objects = 2r
Gravitational force between the two objects = F3
System D
Mass of the first object = 4m
Mass of the second object = 5m
Distance between the two objects = 3r
Gravitational force between the two objects = F4
Ranking the gravitational forces in decreasing order,
F4 > F3 > F1 > F2
Therefore ranking the systems,
D > C > A > B