Two astronauts are floating in gravitational free space after having lost contact with their spaceship. The two will
- move towards each other.
- move away from each other.
- will become stationary.
- keep floating at the same distance between them.
Answer
(1) move towards each other.
Solution
In gravitational free space there is no external force on the two astronauts.
The only force is their mutual gravitational attraction, F = Gm1m2r2.
Each astronaut is pulled towards the other, so they (slowly) move towards each other; their centre of mass stays at rest.
Answer: (1)