Which of the following phenomena CANNOT be explained using the universal law of gravitation?

Correct option is B

• The Universal Law of Gravitation, proposed by Sir Isaac Newton, states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. 

​$$F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$$ 

This law explains gravitational interactions such as:

• The motion of celestial bodies (planets, moons, satellites)
• Tidal effects due to the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun
• The falling of objects toward the Earth

However, firing of a gun is governed by Newton’s Third Law of Motion. It involves recoil, a mechanical effect resulting from action-reaction forces.

• The Universal Law of Gravitation applies to macro-level systems like Earth-Moon, Sun-Planet interactions.
• It helps calculate the orbital paths of planets and satellites.
• Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth’s oceans.
• Firing of a gun involves chemical energy release and conservation of momentum.