Question

Three identical very dense masses of 4500 kg each are placed on the x axis. One mass is at x1​=−400 cm, one is at xc​=115 cm, and one is at x2​=245 cm What is the magnitude of the net gravitational force Fgrav ​ on the mass at xc​ due to the other two masses? Take the gravitational constant to be G=6.67×10−11 N⋅m2/kg2 Express your answer in newtons to three significant figures.

Answer 1

The magnitude of the net gravitational force on the mass at xc due to the other two masses can be calculated using the equation for gravitational force. Plugging in the given values, the magnitude of the net gravitational force is approximately 2.11 x 10^10 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

The magnitude of the net gravitational force on the mass at xc due to the other two masses can be calculated using the equation for gravitational force:

F_grav = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2

where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two masses, and r is the distance between their centers of mass.

Plugging in the given values, we get:

F_grav = G * (4500 kg * 4500 kg) / ((115 cm - (-400 cm))^2 + (245 cm - 115 cm)^2)

Calculating the expression and rounding to three significant figures, the magnitude of the net gravitational force is approximately 2.11 x 10^10 N.