Does Gravity Between Smaller Objects Get Blocked by a Larger Object?

[jonathanplumb]

If you have a small object next to a large object, the larger object should have a greater gravitational pull on the small object and the smaller object should approach the larger object at a faster rate than then larger approaches the smaller, correct?

So now if you put another small object on the opposite side of the large object, do the two small objects have ANY effect on each other, or does the large object block the effect of the smaller objects?

A good example: During a Lunar Eclipse (the moon in our shadow, opposite the sun), does the Sun have any gravitational effect on the moon?

 

[Pythagorean]

There's no blocking and both bodies in your first example experience the same pull (force) but yes, the smaller one moves faster.

 

[Doc Al]

If you have a small object next to a large object, the larger object should have a greater gravitational pull on the small object

No, they exert the same gravitational force on each other.

and the smaller object should approach the larger object at a faster rate than then larger approaches the smaller, correct?

Yes, the acceleration of the smaller object will be greater.

So now if you put another small object on the opposite side of the large object, do the two small objects have ANY effect on each other, or does the large object block the effect of the smaller objects?

The two small objects will exert forces on each other. The large object does not block their interaction. (You can't block gravity.)

A good example: During a Lunar Eclipse (the moon in our shadow, opposite the sun), does the Sun have any gravitational effect on the moon?

Sure.

 

[jonathanplumb]

Thanks -- just trying to research more on Gravity and Google is sometimes hard to place the correct keyword to find an answer to your question.