Multiple choice

When one object is orbiting another object, the acceleration due to gravity depends on:

  1. The sum of the masses of both objects

  2. Only the mass of the object being orbited

  3. Only the mass of the orbiting object

  4. The product of both masses

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The acceleration of an orbiting object is determined by the gravitational field of the body it is orbiting. The mass of the orbiting object itself cancels out in the calculation of acceleration.