Which of the following is FALSE concerning Newton's theory of universal gravitation?
A). The theory applies to all objects.
B). Gravitational force decreases as the distance between objects increases.
C). Gravitational force increases as the mass of an object increases.
D). Gravitational force increases as the mass of an object decreases.
D). Gravitational force increases as the mass of an object decreases.
The FALSE statement concerning Newton's theory of universal gravitation is D) Gravitational force increases as the mass of an object decreases.
To determine which of the given statements is false concerning Newton's theory of universal gravitation, we need to understand the basic principles of this theory. Newton's theory of universal gravitation states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.
A). The statement that the theory applies to all objects is true. According to Newton's theory, the gravitational force exists between all objects in the universe.
B). The statement that gravitational force decreases as the distance between objects increases is true. Newton's theory of universal gravitation states that the strength of the gravitational force weakens as the distance between two objects increases.
C). The statement that gravitational force increases as the mass of an object increases is true. Newton's theory states that the force of gravity between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses. Therefore, as the mass of an object increases, the gravitational force it exerts also increases.
D). The statement that gravitational force increases as the mass of an object decreases is false. According to Newton's theory, the force of gravity is directly proportional to the product of the masses of two objects. Therefore, as the mass of an object decreases, the gravitational force it exerts also decreases.
So, the false statement concerning Newton's theory of universal gravitation is D). Gravitational force increases as the mass of an object decreases.