Question

Two objects with a mass of M and 8M have gravitational fields going towards their centers, with a magnitude proportional to their mass. Point X is equidistant between the two objects. Larger circle labeled 8M is connected by a horizontal line to a smaller circle labeled M to the right. In the middle of the horizontal line connecting both circles is a vertical line directed at particle X. X has four arrows pointing down and away from it. Arrow A points down and to the left towards the larger circle at a 45 degree angle from the vertical, arrow B points down and to the left at a 30 degree angle from the vertical, arrow C points directly down, arrow D points down and to the right towards the smaller circle at a 45 degree angle from the vertical. Which of the four vectors shows the most likely direction of the gravitational vector field at Point X? A B C D

Answer 1

Vector A is the most likely direction of the gravitational vector field at Point X, as it is directed toward the larger mass (8M) and lies along the line joining the centers of mass of the two bodies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which of the four vectors (A, B, C, or D) shows the most likely direction of the gravitational vector field at Point X, given two objects with masses of M and 8M. The gravitational field (g) is directed toward the center of mass of an object and its strength is proportional to the mass of the object.

Therefore, since one object has a mass of 8M and the other has a mass of M and both are equidistant from point X, the gravitational vector field at point X will be directed more towards the larger mass (8M). The direction of the gravitational force will be along the line joining the centers of mass of the two bodies.

Given the angles described, vector A, which points down and to the left towards the larger mass at a 45-degree angle from the vertical, represents this direction most accurately.