Concept explainers
If the Sun were twice as massive, its pull on Mars would be
(a) unchanged.
(b) twice.
(c) half.
(d) four times as much.
The correct option for the statement "If the Sun were twice as massive, its pull on Mars would be".
Answer to Problem 3RAT
The correct option for the statement "If the Sun were twice as massive, its pull on Mars would be" is option (b).
Explanation of Solution
The Sun exerts a gravitational pull or force on Mars. The gravitational force varies directly with the product of masses as per gravitational law. It also varies with the inverse square of the distance between the masses.
Since the mass of Mars and the distance between the Sun and Mars does not change, the only factor that affects the gravitational pull is the mass of the Sun. So, when the mass of the Sun becomes twice, its pull on Mars also becomes twice.
When there is a change in mass, the gravitational pull also changes. The gravitational force varies directly with mass. So, when the mass of the Sun becomes twice, the gravitational pull becomes twice, the gravitational pull would not become four times.
Conclusion:
The correct option for the statement "If the Sun were twice as massive, its pull on Mars would be" is option (b).
Chapter 7 Solutions
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