Question

which of the following is the best definition of newtons theory of universal gravitation? (1 point) every object attracts every other object in the universe, with a force that increases as the objects masses increase and the distance between them decreases. every object is attracted to the earth with a force that increases with increasing mass and distance. every object is pulled downward with a force that increases as the height from which an object is dropped increases. every object attracts every other object in the universe, with a force that increases as the objects masses decrease and the distance between them increases.

Explanation:

Newton's theory of universal gravitation states that every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. So, the force increases with increasing masses and decreasing distance between the objects.

• The second option is incorrect as it limits the attraction to Earth and says force increases with distance (it should decrease with distance).
• The third option is incorrect as it refers to downward pull (gravity on Earth's surface, not universal gravitation) and the description about height is wrong.
• The fourth option is incorrect as it says force increases with decreasing masses and increasing distance, which is opposite to the theory.
• The first option correctly states that every object attracts every other, force increases with mass increase and distance decrease.

Answer:

A. Every object attracts every other object in the universe, with a force that increases as the objects’ masses increase and the distance between them decreases.