Asteroids Should Be Able to Remain Stably Trapped at the Stable

Multiple Choice

Asteroids should be able to remain stably trapped at the stable Lagrange points of the Earth-Sun system (See Figure 15-14 of Universe, 11th ed.) , provided they are NOT subjected to other, stronger, gravitational influences. As a test of this stability, calculate how strong Jupiter's gravity is on a mass at Earth's stable Lagrange points (when Jupiter is closest to them) compared to the strength of Earth's gravity on the same mass at the same points. (You will need to use Newton's law of gravitation; it will also help to draw a diagram.) Compared to Earth's gravitational force at these points, Jupiter's gravity is:
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A) 1/18 as strong.
B) 18 times stronger.
C) 12 times stronger.
D) 76 times stronger.