Why gravitational force acts as if mass is at a sphere’s center

Practice question

Question

Why does the gravitational force act as if all mass is at the center for a uniform sphere?

Options

Choose one · Correct answer highlighted

Mass is concentrated at the center Symmetry simplifies the force Correct Density varies radially The sphere is hollow

Explanation

For a uniform sphere, symmetry ensures that the net gravitational force on an external point is equivalent to that of a point mass at the center, as forces from all parts combine accordingly.

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