# The earth makes a gravitational force on the moon, and the moon makes a gravitational force on...

## Question:

The earth makes a gravitational force on the moon, and the moon makes a gravitational force on the earth. Which of these forces is larger?

a) The gravitational force of the earth on the moon is greater.

b) The gravitational force of the moon on the earth is greater.

c) The two forces are equal.

d) There is no way to tell.

## Universal Law of Gravitation:

While Earth is revolving around the Sun, the moon is revolving around the Earth, the gravitational force of attraction is the cause of such a circular (approximately) motion.

For the given system of Earth and moon exerting Gravitational Force on each other:

The gravitational force of the Earth on the moon = The gravitational force of the moon on the Earth

This is based on Newton's third law, i.e. Force always exists in pairs as action and reaction forces, and therefore the Earth and moon exert equal and opposite Gravitational Force on each other.

Correct option is (c)

Gravitational Pull of the Earth: Definition & Overview

from

Chapter 15 / Lesson 17
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Earth's gravitational pull is often misunderstood, but without it, life on Earth would be impossible. In this lesson, we'll define the gravitational pull and give some examples of how it is used. A quiz is provided to test your understanding.