Does Gravity Between Smaller Objects Get Blocked by a Larger Object?

[jonathanplumb]

If you have a small object next to a large object, the larger object should have a greater gravitational pull on the small object and the smaller object should approach the larger object at a faster rate than then larger approaches the smaller, correct?

So now if you put another small object on the opposite side of the large object, do the two small objects have ANY effect on each other, or does the large object block the effect of the smaller objects?

A good example: During a Lunar Eclipse (the moon in our shadow, opposite the sun), does the Sun have any gravitational effect on the moon?

 

[Pythagorean]

There's no blocking and both bodies in your first example experience the same pull (force) but yes, the smaller one moves faster.

 

[Doc Al]

If you have a small object next to a large object, the larger object should have a greater gravitational pull on the small object

No, they exert the same gravitational force on each other.

and the smaller object should approach the larger object at a faster rate than then larger approaches the smaller, correct?

Yes, the acceleration of the smaller object will be greater.

So now if you put another small object on the opposite side of the large object, do the two small objects have ANY effect on each other, or does the large object block the effect of the smaller objects?

The two small objects will exert forces on each other. The large object does not block their interaction. (You can't block gravity.)

A good example: During a Lunar Eclipse (the moon in our shadow, opposite the sun), does the Sun have any gravitational effect on the moon?

Sure.

 

[jonathanplumb]

Thanks -- just trying to research more on Gravity and Google is sometimes hard to place the correct keyword to find an answer to your question.

 

[pmacias]

I can confirm that the larger object will have a greater gravitational pull on the smaller object and the smaller object will approach the larger object at a faster rate. This is because gravity is directly proportional to the mass of an object, so the larger object will have a greater mass and therefore a greater gravitational pull.

In regards to the second part of your question, the two small objects will still have a gravitational effect on each other, but it will be much smaller compared to the effect of the larger object. This is because gravity also depends on the distance between two objects, and the larger object will be much closer to the smaller object than the other small object. However, the gravitational force between the two smaller objects will still be present.

In the example of a lunar eclipse, the Sun will still have a gravitational effect on the moon, even though it is blocked by the Earth. This is because gravity is a long-range force and its effects can be felt even at large distances. Therefore, the Sun's gravitational pull on the moon will still be present, even during a lunar eclipse.

I hope this explanation helps to clarify any confusion about the effects of gravity on objects of different sizes and distances. It is important to note that gravity is a complex force and there are many factors that can influence its effects, but the basic principles remain the same.