F is the gravitational force between two point masses `m_(1)` and `m_(2)` , separated by a distance d. A point mass `2m_(1)` is then brought near `m_(1)`. What is the total force on `m_(2)` ?

Options

A. 2 F
B. 3 F
C. F
D. `(F)/(2)`

Answer

B

Explanation

`F=(Gm_(1)m_(2))/(d^(2))`
If the point mass `2m_(1)` is brought near `m_(1)`, then the force on `m_(2)` due to `m_(1)`, will be still `F=(Gm_(1)m_(2))/(d^(2))` because the gravitational force between two masses is independent of the presence of other masses. However, the total force on `m_(2)` will be `F'=(G.m_(2)(m_(1)+2m_(1)))/(d^(2))=3F`.