What is the gravitational force between two masses of $5,\mathrm{kg}$ and $10,\mathrm{kg}$ that are $0.2,\mathrm{m}$ apart?

Step-by-step solution

1. Apply Newton’s law of gravitation: $F=Gdfrac{m}_1{m}_2{r}^2$, where $G=6.674\times 10^{-11},{\text{N,m}}^2{\text{/kg}}^2$.
2. Substitute $m_1=5,\mathrm{kg}$, $m_2=10,\mathrm{kg}$ and $r=0.2,\mathrm{m}$.
3. Compute numerator: $G,m_1,m_2=6.674\times 10^{-11}\times 5\times 10=3.337\times 10^{-9},{\text{N,m}}^2$.
4. Divide by $r^2=0.04,{\mathrm{m}}^2$: $F=3.337\times 10^{-9}/0.04=8.3425\times 10^{-8},\text{N}$.
5. Round to $8.34\times 10^{-8},\text{N}$ for the answer.

Concept tested: Newton’s law of gravitation

Published 4 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked