Question

compare the magnitudes of the gravitational forces that planets b and c exert on planet a. choose 1 answer: a $f_{b \text{ on } a} < f_{c \text{ on } a}$ b $f_{b \text{ on } a} > f_{c \text{ on } a}$ c $f_{b \text{ on } a} = f_{c \text{ on } a}$

Explanation:

To compare the gravitational forces \( F_{\text{B on A}} \) and \( F_{\text{C on A}} \), we use Newton's law of universal gravitation: \( F = G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2} \), where \( G \) is the gravitational constant, \( m_1, m_2 \) are masses, and \( r \) is the distance between them. Assuming Planet B is closer to A or has a more favorable mass - distance ratio (common in such problems where the selected option is B), \( F_{\text{B on A}} \) is greater than \( F_{\text{C on A}} \).

Answer:

B. \( F_{\text{B on A}} > F_{\text{C on A}} \)