Question

part b
what happens to the force arrows when you decrease the mass of the balls? what does this mean?

Explanation:

Analyze the relationship between mass and gravitational force

Using the Gravitational Force Factors knowledge point

$$ F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} $$

Determine the effect on force arrows

Using the Gravitational Force Factors knowledge point

$$ \text{As } m_1 \text{ or } m_2 \text{ decreases} \implies F \text{ decreases} $$

$$ \text{Force arrows become shorter} $$

Interpret the physical meaning

Using the Gravitational Force Factors knowledge point

$$ \text{Smaller mass} \implies \text{Weaker gravitational attraction} $$

Answer:

The force arrows become shorter. This means that decreasing the mass of the balls reduces the gravitational force of attraction between them, as gravitational force is directly proportional to the product of the masses.