Three identical very dense masses of 5400 kg each are placed on the x axis. One

Question

Three identical very dense masses of 5400 kg each are placed on the x axis. One mass is at x1 = -150 cm , one is at the origin, and one is at x2 = 360 cm .

Part A

What is the magnitude of the net gravitational force Fgrav on the mass at the origin due to the other two masses?

Take the gravitational constant to be G = 6.67×1011 Nm2/kg2 .

Express your answer in Newtons.

Part B

What is the direction of the net gravitational force on the mass at the origin due to the other two masses?

a. +x direction

b. -x direction

Explanation / Answer

F_grav = G m^2/r^2
F1 = 6.67*10^-11*5400^2/150^2 = 8.64432e-8
F2 = 6.67*10^-11*5400^2/360^2 = 1.50075e-8
F_net = F1 - F2 = 8.64432e-8 - 1.50075e-8 = 7.14357e-8

a. +x direction => 8.64432e-8
b. -x direction => 1.50075e-8

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.