A 225-kg object and a 525-kg object are separated by 4.10 m. (a) Find the magnit

Question

A 225-kg object and a 525-kg object are separated by 4.10 m.

(a) Find the magnitude of the net gravitational force exerted by these objects on a 52.0-kg object placed midway between them.

0.000000247 Correct: Your answer is correct. N

(b) At what position (other than an infinitely remote one) can the 52.0-kg object be placed so as to experience a net force of zero from the other two objects?

1.622 Incorrect: Your answer is incorrect. This is the correct distance to the smaller mass. The problem asks for the distance to the larger mass. Do you expect the position will be closer to the larger or smaller mass? m from the 525 kg mass toward the 225 kg mass

I only need help with part b!!

Explanation / Answer

b.
[225kg] ===4.10m - x===[52kg]===x===[525kg]
F = Gm1m2/r^2
F = 0
0 = G(525kg)(52kg)/(x)^2 - G(225kg)(52kg)/(4.10m - x)^2
G(225kg)(52kg)/(4.10m - x)^2 = G(525kg)(52kg)/(x)^2
(225kg)/(4.10m - x)^2 = (525kg)/(x)^2
(225kg)(x)^2 = (525kg)(4.10m - x)^2
(225kg)(x)^2 = (525kg)(16.51 - 8.20x + x^2)
0 = 8667.75 -4305.0x + 300x^2
Using the quadratic formula:
x = .267m or 1.25m
Since 1.25 m is impossible (.45 - x would result in a negative distance) the answer is .267m away from the 495 kg block

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