How Do Newton's Laws Explain Changes in Gravitational Forces and Orbital Ratios?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on Newton's laws of gravitation and their implications for gravitational forces and orbital ratios. When the distance between two masses is doubled, the gravitational force decreases to one-fourth of its original value, as described by the equation F = G(m1*m2)/r^2. Additionally, according to Newton’s version of Kepler’s third law, if the mass of the sun is doubled, the ratio (T^2/r^3) remains unchanged, as it is dependent solely on the mass of the central body and the orbital radius.

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Homework Statement



1. What happens to the gravitational force between two masses when the distance between the masses is doubled?

2. According to Newton’s version of Kepler’s third law, how does the ratio (T^2/r^3) change if the mass of the sun is doubled?
 
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For the first one, what's the equation of gravitational force? What happens if you double the distance and keep everything else the same? Tell us what you think.
 

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