Consider the following statements regarding the Universal Law of Gravitation: 1. It applies to celestial bodies like planets and stars. 2. It does not apply to terrestrial objects with small masses. 3. The force is always attractive. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation states that every particle of matter in the universe attracts every other particle with a force. This force is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers ($F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$). Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The law is "universal" because it applies to all bodies in the cosmos. It governs the motion of celestial bodies, such as the revolution of the Moon around the Earth and the planets around the Sun. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The law applies to all objects possessing mass, regardless of their size. It governs terrestrial objects (e.g., a falling stone) as well as celestial ones. While the gravitational force between small masses is extremely weak due to the small value of the gravitational constant ($G$), the law is still applicable. - Statement 3 is Correct: Gravitational force is fundamentally attractive. Unlike electromagnetic forces, which can be attractive or repulsive depending on the charges involved, gravity always acts to pull masses toward one another. Key Takeaway: The Universal Law of Gravitation applies to all matter in the universe, irrespective of mass or location, and the resulting force is always attractive.

NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 3: Gravitation

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the Universal Law of Gravitation:

It applies to celestial bodies like planets and stars.
It does not apply to terrestrial objects with small masses.
The force is always attractive.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation states that every particle of matter in the universe attracts every other particle with a force. This force is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers ($F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$).

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The law is "universal" because it applies to all bodies in the cosmos. It governs the motion of celestial bodies, such as the revolution of the Moon around the Earth and the planets around the Sun.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The law applies to all objects possessing mass, regardless of their size. It governs terrestrial objects (e.g., a falling stone) as well as celestial ones. While the gravitational force between small masses is extremely weak due to the small value of the gravitational constant ($G$), the law is still applicable.
Statement 3 is Correct: Gravitational force is fundamentally attractive. Unlike electromagnetic forces, which can be attractive or repulsive depending on the charges involved, gravity always acts to pull masses toward one another.

Key Takeaway: The Universal Law of Gravitation applies to all matter in the universe, irrespective of mass or location, and the resulting force is always attractive.

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 (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The law is "universal" because it applies to all bodies in the cosmos. It governs the motion of celestial bodies, such as the revolution of the Moon around the Earth and the planets around the Sun.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The law applies to all objects possessing mass, regardless of their size. It governs terrestrial objects (e.g., a falling stone) as well as celestial ones. While the gravitational force between small masses is extremely weak due to the small value of the gravitational constant ($G$), the law is still applicable.
Statement 3 is Correct: Gravitational force is fundamentally attractive. Unlike electromagnetic forces, which can be attractive or repulsive depending on the charges involved, gravity always acts to pull masses toward one another.

Key Takeaway: The Universal Law of Gravitation applies to all matter in the universe, irrespective of mass or location, and the resulting force is always attractive.