Question

Three ibentical very derse masses of 3800 kg aach are plicod on the x ails. One mats it at π ₁= 120 cm, ore is at the ongin, and one is at fy = What in the magnitude of the net graveational foros F on the mass at the erigin sue so the other mo masaes?

Answer 1

The magnitude of the net gravitational force (F) on the mass at the origin due to the other two masses is approximately 1.6 ×
`10^{(-7)` N.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the net gravitational force, we can use Newton's law of gravitation, which states that the gravitational force (F) between two masses is given by F = G * m₁ * m₂ / r², where G is the gravitational constant, m₁ and m₂ are the masses, and r is the separation between the masses. In this case, we have three masses, and we need to find the net force on the mass at the origin.

Considering the symmetry of the problem, the gravitational force exerted by the mass at x = -120 cm is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the force exerted by the mass at x = 120 cm. The force exerted by the mass at x = 0 is directed along the positive x-axis. Since the forces along the x-axis are the only ones contributing to the net force on the mass at the origin, we can ignore the vertical components.

The net force can be calculated by summing the x-components of the individual forces. Using the formula for gravitational force, we find that the net force is approximately 1.6 ×
`10^{(-7)` N. Therefore, the correct magnitude of the net gravitational force on the mass at the origin is approximately 1.6 ×
`10^{(-7)`N.