Question

In introductory physics laboratories, a typical Cavendish balance for measuring the gravitational constant G uses lead spheres with masses of 1.60 kg and 16.0 g whose centers are separated by about 4.00 cm. Calculate the gravitational force between these spheres, treating each as a particle located at the center of the sphere.

Answer 1

`1.0672* 10^(-9)N`

Step-by-step explanation:

`G` = Gravitational constant = 6.67 x 10⁻¹¹

`F` = Gravitational force between these spheres

`m_(1)` = mass of first sphere = 1.60 kg

`m_(2)` = mass of second sphere = 16 g = 0.016 kg

`r` = distance between the centers of the sphere = 4 cm = 0.04 m

Gravitational force between these spheres is given as

`F = (Gm_(1)m_(2))/(r^(2))`

`F = ((6.67* 10^(-11))(1.60)(0.016))/(0.04^(2))`

`F = 1.0672* 10^(-9)N`