**Correct Option: B. The strength of a gravitational field decreases with distance from the mass creating it.** ### Detailed Explanation: 1. **Understanding Gravitational Fields:** - A gravitational field is a region of space surrounding a mass where another mass experiences a force due to gravity. The strength of this field is determined by the mass creating it and the distance from that mass. 2. **Gravitational Field Strength:** - The strength of a gravitational field (denoted as \( g \)) at a distance \( r \) from a mass \( M \) can be calculated using the formula: \[ g = \frac{GM}{r^2} \] where \( G \) is the gravitational constant (\( 6.674 \times 10^{-11} \, \text{N m}^2/\text{kg}^2 \)). - From this formula, we can see that as the distance \( r \) increases, the value of \( g \) decreases. This means that the gravitational field strength weakens as you move further away from the mass. 3. **Why Option B is Correct:** - Since the formula shows that gravitational field strength is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the mass, it confirms that the strength of the gravitational field indeed decreases with distance. This is a fundamental principle of gravitation. ### Analysis of Other Options: - **Option A: Gravitational fields can only be produced by large masses like planets and stars.** - **Why it's wrong:** While large masses like planets and stars create significant gravitational fields, any mass, regardless of size, produces a gravitational field. For example, even a small object like a marble has a gravitational field, although it is extremely weak compared to larger masses. Therefore, this statement is too restrictive and incorrect. - **Option C: Gravitational fields are uniform in all regions of space around a mass.** - **Why it's wrong:** Gravitational fields are not uniform; they vary in strength depending on the distance from the mass. Near a massive object, the field is stronger, and as you move away, it weakens. A uniform gravitational field is an idealization that only occurs in specific conditions, such as near the surface of the Earth over small distances. - **Option D: The direction of a gravitational field is always away from the mass creating it.** - **Why it's wrong:** The direction of a gravitational field is actually towards the mass creating it. This is because gravity is an attractive force; objects are pulled towards the mass. Therefore, the correct statement would be that the gravitational field points towards the mass, not away from it. ### Summary of Key Points: - Gravitational field strength decreases with distance from the mass creating it, following the inverse square law. - All masses produce gravitational fields, not just large ones. - Gravitational fields are not uniform; they vary in strength with distance. - The direction of a gravitational field is towards the mass, indicating attraction. This understanding of gravitational fields is crucial for solving problems in physics related to gravitation, motion, and celestial mechanics.