AP Physics Question 3 A planet has two moons, Moon and Moon , that orbit at different distances from the planet’s center, as shown.
Astronomers collect data regarding the planet, the two moons, and their obits. The astronomers are able to estimate
the planet’s radius and mass.

3. The masses of the two moons are determined to be for Moon and for Moon . It is observed that
the distance between Moon and the planet is two times that of the distance between Moon and the
planet. How does force exerted from the planet on Moon compare to the force exerted from the planet on
Moon ?

The gravitational force exerted from the planet on Moon is two times larger than the gravitational force
exerted from the planet on Moon .
B
The gravitational force exerted from the planet on Moon is eight times larger than the gravitational force
exerted from the planet on Moon .
C
The gravitational force exerted from the planet on Moon is two times smaller than the gravitational force
exerted from the planet on Moon .
D
The gravitational force exerted from the planet on Moon is eight times smaller than the gravitational force
exerted from the planet on Moon .