A planet has mass m1 and is at a distance r, from the sun. A second planet has mass m2 = 10m1 and at a distance of r2 = 2r1 from the sun. Determine the ratio of the gravitational force experienced by the planets.
A
1 : 5
B
2 : 5
C
3 : 5
D
4 : 5
Verified Correct Answer: B.
Physical Principles & Numerical Solution
g = \(\frac{GM}{R^2}\)
\(\frac{G_1M_1}{r^2_1}\) = \(\frac{G_2M_2}{r^2_2}\)
\(\frac{G_1M_1}{r^2_1}\) = \(\frac{G_2 {\times}10 M_1}{(2r_1)^2}\)
\(\frac{G_1}{G_2}\) = \(\frac{2}{5}\)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #27684)