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 Suppose the Earth were to suddenly shrink to half its current diameter, with its mass remaining constant. (a) Would the escape speed of the Earth increase, decrease, or stay the same? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following: I. Since the radius of the Earth would be smaller, the escape speed would also be smaller. II. The Earth would have the same amount of mass, and hence its escape speed would be unchanged. III. The force of gravity would be much stronger on the surface of the compressed Earth, leading to a greater escape speed.
Solution
The first step in solving 12 problem number 46 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Predict/Explain Suppose the Earth were to suddenly shrink to half its current diameter, with its mass remaining constant. (a) Would the escape speed of the Earth increase, decrease, or stay the same? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following: I. Since the radius of the Earth would be smaller, the escape speed would also be smaller. II. The Earth would have the same amount of mass, and hence its escape speed would be unchanged. III. The force of gravity would be much stronger on the surface of the compressed Earth, leading to a greater escape speed.
From the textbook chapter Gravity you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.
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