Answer: 0.5N
Explanation:
Gravitational force is calculated using the formula :
F = Gm1m2/r^2
Where G is the gravitational constant (6.67 × 10^-11)
At a distance 'r' of 2metres apart:
Mass of objects are m1 and m2
Gravitational force 'F1' = 2N
Inputting values into the formula :
2 = Gm1m2 / 2^2 - - - - - (1)
At a distance 'r' of 4meters apart:
Mass of objects are m1 and m2
Gravitational force 'F2' = y
Inputting values
F2 = Gm1m2 / 4^2 - - - - - (2)
Dividing equations 1 and 2
2 = Gm1m2 / 2^2 ÷ F2 = Gm1m2 / 4^2
2 / F2 = (Gm1m2 / 4) / (Gm1m2 / 16)
2 / F2 = (Gm1m2 / 4) × (16 / Gm1m2)
2/F2 = 16 / 4
Cross multiply
2 × 4 = 16 × F2
8 = 16F2
F2 = 8/16
F2 = 0.5N