Three balls, with masses of 4 m , 2 m , and m , are equally spaced along a line.

Question

Three balls, with masses of 4m, 2m, and m, are equally spaced along a line. The spacing between neighboring balls is r. We can arrange the balls in three different ways, as shown in the figure. In each case, the balls are in an isolated region of space very far from anything else.

(a) Rank the three cases, from largest to smallest, based on the magnitude of the net gravitational force experienced by the ball with the mass of 4m. (Use only ">" or "=" symbols. Do not include any parentheses around the letters or symbols.)


(b) If m is 2.00 kg and r is 35.0 cm, calculate the magnitude and direction of the net gravitational force acting on the ball with the mass of 4m in case 2. Define the positive direction as pointing to the right, so your answer should have a positive sign if the net force is directed right, and a negative sign if the net force is directed left.

Please HELP! :(

Explanation / Answer

a) 1 > 3 > 2

b) net force on 4m

Fnet = -G*2*m*4*m/r^2 + G*m*4*m/r^2

= -6.67*10^-11*8*2^2/0.35^2 + 6.67*10^-11*4*2^2/0.35^2

= -8.71*10^-9 N (towwards -x axis)

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.