In the law of universal gravitation, Newton assumed that the force was proportional to the product of the two masses ( ~m1 m2 ). While all scientific conjectures must be experimentally verified, can you provide arguments as to why this must be? (You may wish to consider simple examples in which any other form would lead to contradictory results.)

University Physics Volume 1
18th Edition
ISBN:9781938168277
Author:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Chapter13: Gravitation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 2CQ: In the law of universal gravitation, Newton assumed that the force was proportional to the product...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

In the law of universal gravitation, Newton assumed that the force was proportional to the product of the two masses ( ~m1 m2 ). While all scientific conjectures must be experimentally verified, can you provide arguments as to why this must be? (You may wish to consider simple examples in which any other form would lead to contradictory results.)

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 4 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Gravitational Force
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
University Physics Volume 1
University Physics Volume 1
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168277
Author:
William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax - Rice University
Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems
Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems
Physics
ISBN:
9780534408961
Author:
Stephen T. Thornton, Jerry B. Marion
Publisher:
Cengage Learning