Consider the following statements regarding the force of gravitation: 1. It is a contact force that requires physical touching of objects. 2. It is a weak force unless large masses are involved. 3. It is a repulsive force. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is (b). Explanation Gravitation is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, governing the interaction between all objects possessing mass. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Gravitation is a non-contact force (action-at-a-distance). It does not require physical touching of objects to operate. For instance, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth across the vacuum of space without any physical connection. - Statement 2 is Correct: Gravitation is the weakest of the four fundamental forces (the others being electromagnetic, weak nuclear, and strong nuclear forces). Its magnitude is extremely small for ordinary objects and becomes significant only when massive bodies, such as planets or stars, are involved. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The force of gravitation is always attractive. Unlike the electromagnetic force, which can be either attractive or repulsive depending on the charges involved, gravity only pulls masses together and never repels them. Key Takeaway: Gravitation is a universal, non-contact force that is always attractive and is the weakest among the fundamental forces of nature.

NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 3: Gravitation

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the force of gravitation:

It is a contact force that requires physical touching of objects.
It is a weak force unless large masses are involved.
It is a repulsive force.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Gravitation is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, governing the interaction between all objects possessing mass.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Gravitation is a non-contact force (action-at-a-distance). It does not require physical touching of objects to operate. For instance, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth across the vacuum of space without any physical connection.
Statement 2 is Correct: Gravitation is the weakest of the four fundamental forces (the others being electromagnetic, weak nuclear, and strong nuclear forces). Its magnitude is extremely small for ordinary objects and becomes significant only when massive bodies, such as planets or stars, are involved.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The force of gravitation is always attractive. Unlike the electromagnetic force, which can be either attractive or repulsive depending on the charges involved, gravity only pulls masses together and never repels them.

Key Takeaway: Gravitation is a universal, non-contact force that is always attractive and is the weakest among the fundamental forces of nature.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Gravitation

With reference to the concept of Pressure, consider the following statements: 1. Pressure is defined as the area acting per unit thrust. 2. For a given force, pressure increases as the area of contact decreases. 3. The SI unit of pressure is Pascal (Pa). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following statements regarding the mass of an object is NOT correct?

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According to Archimedes’ Principle, the upward buoyant force experienced by a body immersed in a fluid is equal to:

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Which of the following instruments are based on Archimedes’ Principle? 1. Lactometers 2. Hydrometers 3. Odometers 4. Barometers Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following statements about the density of a substance: 1. It is defined as mass per unit volume. 2. If the density of an object is less than that of a liquid, it will sink in that liquid. 3. The density of a substance is a characteristic property. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Gravitation is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, governing the interaction between all objects possessing mass.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Gravitation is a non-contact force (action-at-a-distance). It does not require physical touching of objects to operate. For instance, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth across the vacuum of space without any physical connection.
Statement 2 is Correct: Gravitation is the weakest of the four fundamental forces (the others being electromagnetic, weak nuclear, and strong nuclear forces). Its magnitude is extremely small for ordinary objects and becomes significant only when massive bodies, such as planets or stars, are involved.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The force of gravitation is always attractive. Unlike the electromagnetic force, which can be either attractive or repulsive depending on the charges involved, gravity only pulls masses together and never repels them.

Key Takeaway: Gravitation is a universal, non-contact force that is always attractive and is the weakest among the fundamental forces of nature.