Answer : The correct option is, (B) the square of the distance
Explanation :
Gravitational force : It is defined as the gravitational force is directly proportional to the product of the masses of the two object and an inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the two object.
The gravitational force (F) between the two object masses (M) and (m) and the distance between the two object (r) is given by the equation,
where,
G = gravitational constant
When the distance between the two object doubles then the gravitational force is reduced by one fourth (1/4)th between objects.
When the distance between the two object triples then the gravitational force is reduced by one ninth (1/9)th between objects.
Gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance of two object.
Therefore, the gravitational force is reduced by the square of the distance between objects.