Understanding the Law of Universal Gravitation

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states:

* F = G * (m1 * m2) / r²

Where:

* F = gravitational force

* G = gravitational constant (approximately 6.674 x 10^-11 N m²/kg²)

* m1 and m2 = masses of the two bodies

* r = distance between the centers of the two bodies

The Relationship Between Force and Distance

Notice that the force (F) is inversely proportional to the square of the distance (r²). This means:

* If you decrease the distance, the force increases.

* If you increase the distance, the force decreases.

Calculating the New Force

1. Original Distance (r1): 1 meter

2. New Distance (r2): 0.1 meters

3. Ratio of Distances: r1 / r2 = 1 / 0.1 = 10

Since the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance, the new force will be:

* (10)² = 100 times stronger

Conclusion

If the distance between the two bodies is reduced to 0.1 meters, the gravitational force between them will become 100 times stronger than when they were 1 meter apart.