Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding gravitational force?
A. The gravitational force is dependent on the intervening medium.
B. The gravitational force is a non-conservative force.
C. The gravitational force forms an action-reaction pair.
D. The gravitational force is non-central force.

Answer 1

Hint: The Gravitational force is defined as the force acting between two masses in the universe. It is also defined as the product of two masses of an object divided by the square of the distance between the two masses.

Complete answer:
The gravitational force present between the two masses will always remain the same no matter whether the masses are in air, vacuum, water, or separated by some hindrance. Therefore, the gravitational force is not dependent on the intervening medium.

Now, the Conservative force is defined as the property that the force required to move a particle from one point to another is not dependent on the path taken. Therefore, gravitational is also termed as a conservative force.

Now, newton’s third law states that for every action there will be an equal and opposite reaction. The gravitational force acting between two masses are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, which forms an action and reaction pair. Therefore, the gravitational force will obey Newton's third law.

As the gravitational acts between the centers of the two masses, therefore, the gravitational force is a central force. Hence, the correct regarding the gravitational is that the gravitational always forms an action and reaction pair.

Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Note:The gravitational force on the earth will be equal to the force exerted on a person. When the person is at rest or near the surface of the earth, the gravitational force acting on the earth will be equal to the weight of a person. The weight of a person will be different on other planets like Venus and Mars because their acceleration of gravity is different from the earth.