Answer: 0.5N
Explanation:
Let the two masses be m1 and m2
Gravitational force 'F' at distance 'r' of 2 m = 2N
The gravitational force 'F' at an 'r' distance of 4m can be calculated thus :
The gravitational force of attraction is found using the relation below :
F = Gm1m2 / r^2
Where r = distance, m1 and m2 are the masses and G = gravitational constant
Equation 1:
F = Gm1m2 / r^2;
2 = Gm1m2 / 2^2
Equation 2:
F = Gm1m2 / r^2;
F = Gm1m2 / 4^2
Equating both equations to find 'F' ;
2/F = (Gm1m2 / 4) ÷ (Gm1m2 / 16)
2/F = (Gm1m2 / 4) × (16 / Gm1m2)
2/F = 16/4
2/F = 4
4F = 2
F = 2/4
F = 0.5N
