Question

Two styrofoam balls are placed so their centers are 3.2 cm apart. The mass of one ball is twice the

mass of the other ball. The larger ball exerts a gravitational force of 2.63 X 10-12 N on the smaller ball.
Calculate the mass of each ball. (Use GUESS method.) Answer 4.49 X 10-3 kg, 8.99 X 10-3 kg

I was given the answers, I just want to know the working equation

Answer 1

See below

Step-by-step explanation:

Fg = G m1 m2 / r^2 Fg = force of gravity and

G, the gravitational constant = 6.6743x10^-11 m^3/(kg s^2)

m2 = 2 m1 is given, then sub in the values:

2.63 x 10^-12 = 6.6743 x 10^-11 ( m1)(2 m1) / ( .032)^2

results in 2 m1^2 = .00004035059

then m1 = .004491 kg and m2 is twice this much

mass 1 = 4.49 x 10^-3 kg as you stated