Answer:
Let us consider the two bodies of masses m1 and m2 separated by some distance in a vacuum. The force of attraction (gravitational force ) is given
F=Gm1m2r2——(1)
Where,
G= is a universal gravitational constant.
r= distance of separation.
Now if the mass of the one object is halved then the force is given by
F1=G(m12)m2r2
⇒F1=Gm1m22r2
⇒F1=12×Gm1m2r2
⇒F1=12F[from equation (1)]
⇒F1=0.5F.
Therefore the magnitude of the new force is half of the original force/old force.
