A comet is approaching the earth. What happens to the earth's gravitational pull on the comet as the comet gets closer to the ground?

A.
will remain constant

B.
will increase

C.
will decrease

D.
will be reversed

Question

A comet is approaching the earth. What happens to the earth's gravitational pull on the comet as the comet gets closer to the ground? 	
	
 
A.
	will remain constant
	
 
B.
	will increase
	
 
C.
	will decrease
	
 
D.
	will be reversed

mrnood · Answer

@ultraultimated

Hi!  this is at least the third very similar question which you have posted here.

They all refer to the equation of force between 2 objects due to gravity.

You successfully answered the first with some guidance. I believe you have the skill to answer this one too.

The formula (I gave to you before!) is:

$$F=\frac{ GMm }{ r ^{2} }$$

Have a lok at the scenario you describe. The comet is 'approaching' Earth.
Which element of the equation is changing as it approaches? (G,M,m or r ?)

Is that factor increasing or decreasing?

Therefore what happens to the force?

The answer is in the equation (as is very often the case with Physics  :-) )

anonymous · Answer

i think its A

mrnood · Answer

OK - is that thought supported by the equation?

anonymous · Answer

no im guessing

mrnood · Answer

I knew that!

Ask yourself the questions I put above - look at the equation...

mrnood · Answer

You should also note - comets are almost all approaching (or orbiting) the SUN, not the earth.

Whilst the question is hypothetically correct it would be more realistic if it were 

"An asteroid is approaching the earth......"