passwella.
Menu

JAMB Physics 1997 Question 8

Question 8

Gravitational Field

A planet has mass m1 and is at a distance r1 from the sun. A second planet has mass m2 = 10m1 and is at a distance of r2 = 2r1 from the sun. Determine the ratio of the gravitational forces experienced by the planets.

  1. A.1 : 5
  2. B.2 : 5
  3. C.3 : 5
  4. D.4 : 5
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (2 : 5)

Explanation

F ∝ m/r2. F2/F1 = 10/22 = 5/2, so F1 : F2 = 2 : 5.