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Assume the Earth is a uniform sphere. Scientist A descends into a mine, while scientist B rises in a balloon. As they move, the gravitational field experienced by A keeps decreasing and the field experienced by B also keeps decreasing. Which statement best describes their rates of decrease?

1. A’s field decreases while B’s field increases
2. B’s field decreases while A’s field increases
3. Both decrease at the same rate
4. Both decrease at different rates

Correct answer: Both decrease at different rates

Solution

The gravitational field strength decreases with distance from the center of the Earth, but the rate of decrease differs for A and B due to their respective positions; A is moving deeper into the Earth where the gravitational pull decreases more rapidly, while B is moving away from the Earth's surface where the decrease is more gradual.

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