What is the gravitational force between two objects?a)attractive at la...
According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, every object with mass exerts an attractive force on every other object with mass. This gravitational force is always attractive, regardless of the distance between the objects. It decreases with distance, becoming weaker as the distance between the objects increases, but it is still attractive at all distances.
View all questions of this test
What is the gravitational force between two objects?a)attractive at la...
Understanding Gravitational Force
Gravitational force is a fundamental interaction that occurs between any two objects with mass, and it plays a crucial role in the dynamics of celestial bodies as well as everyday objects.
Characteristics of Gravitational Force
- Universal Attraction: Unlike other forces, gravitational force is always attractive. This means that two masses will always pull towards each other regardless of the distance separating them.
- Distance Independence: The force acts at all distances, meaning that even at vast distances, the gravitational force is present, albeit weaker.
- Inverse Square Law: The strength of the gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance between the two masses. This law means that as you double the distance, the gravitational force becomes four times weaker, but it never becomes zero.
Implications of Gravitational Force
- Cosmic Scale: On a cosmic scale, gravitational force governs the motions of planets, stars, and galaxies, keeping them in orbit and influencing their behaviors.
- Everyday Life: In everyday situations, gravity ensures that objects fall towards the Earth, providing stability and structure to our environment.
- No Repulsive Force: Unlike electromagnetic forces, which can be either attractive or repulsive, gravitational force lacks any repulsive component. This is why the correct answer is "attractive at all distances."
Conclusion
In summary, gravitational force is an ever-present attractive force between masses, operating at all distances without exception. This fundamental nature of gravity is why option 'C' is correct. Understanding this force is essential for comprehending both terrestrial and astronomical phenomena.