Is Statement C About Newton's Law of Gravity True?

[jake40208]

Homework Statement

Which of the following statements about Newton’s Universal Law of Gravity is false?

A. The heavier mass exerts a force on the lighter mass that is equal but opposite to the force the lighter mass exerts on the heavier mass.
B. A heavy mass from far away can exert the same gravitational force on you as a light mass that is nearby.
C. Masses under the influence of the gravitational force accelerate towards each other at the rate of 6.67 x 10-11 m/s2.
D. All of the above are true.

Homework Equations

F=[tex] 6.673(10)\ \times\ 10^{-11}\ m^{3} kg^{-1} s^{-2}[/tex]*([tex]_{}M1[/tex][tex]_{}M2[/tex])/[tex]\frac{}{}r^{}2[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution

The heavier mass could exert a force equal dependent on distance from the second mass.

 

[rl.bhat]

Hi jake40208, welcome to PF.
The gravitational force is a mutual attractive force between two bodies.
Both will attract each other with equal magnitude of forces.

 

[tomcue]

The statement that is false is C. Masses under the influence of the gravitational force do not necessarily accelerate at a rate of 6.67 x 10^-11 m/s^2. This value is the gravitational constant, which is used in the equation to calculate the force of gravity between two masses. The actual acceleration of the masses will depend on their individual masses and the distance between them.