Practice Problem: Comparing Gravitational Forces

The video tutorial explores the concept of gravity, comparing the gravitational force exerted by a friend and the star Proxima Centauri. Using Newton's law of universal gravitation, the tutorial demonstrates how to calculate gravitational forces by plugging in masses and distances. It concludes that the gravitational force from a nearby friend is significantly stronger than that from distant stars, highlighting the negligible gravitational influence of stars other than the sun on Earth.

Which star is mentioned as the nearest star beyond our sun in the video?

• Betelgeuse

• Alpha Centauri

• Sirius

• Proxima Centauri

What is the mass of the friend used in the gravitational force calculation?

• 80 kilograms

• 70 kilograms

• 60 kilograms

• 50 kilograms

What is the distance between you and your friend in the gravitational force calculation?

• 4 meters

• 3 meters

• 2 meters

• 1 meter

How does the gravitational force exerted by Proxima Centauri compare to that of your friend?

• It is the same

• It is weaker

• It is twice as strong

• It is stronger

What conclusion is drawn about the gravitational influence of stars other than the sun on Earth?

• They have a minor influence

• They have no influence

• They have a variable influence

• They have a significant influence