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 increasing gravitational force. Indicate ties where appropriate.
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Textbook Solutions for Physics
Question
Predict/Explain The Speed of the Earth The orbital speed of the Earth is greatest around January 4 and least around July 4. (a) Is the distance from the Earth to the Sun on January 4 greater than, less than, or equal to its distance from the Sun on July 4? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following: I. The Earths orbit is circular, with equal distance from the Sun at all times. II. The Earth sweeps out equal area in equal time, thus it must be closer to the Sun when it is moving faster. III. The greater the speed of the Earth, the greater its distance from the Sun.
Solution
The first step in solving 12 problem number 24 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Predict/Explain The Speed of the Earth The orbital speed of the Earth is greatest around January 4 and least around July 4. (a) Is the distance from the Earth to the Sun on January 4 greater than, less than, or equal to its distance from the Sun on July 4? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following: I. The Earths orbit is circular, with equal distance from the Sun at all times. II. The Earth sweeps out equal area in equal time, thus it must be closer to the Sun when it is moving faster. III. The greater the speed of the Earth, the greater its distance from the Sun.
From the textbook chapter Gravity you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.
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