Question

Three objects of equal mass m1 = m2 = m3 = 2.45 kg are located on the vertices of an equilateral triangle of length d = 3.65 m. A fourth mass m4 = 15.5 kg is at the center of the triangle. What is the net gravitational force on the mass m1 that is at the origin? - a. 0 N - b. 2.59 N - c. 4.06 N - d. 7.68 N

Answer 1

The net gravitational force on m1 at the origin can be calculated using Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. Plugging in the values given in the question, we find that the force is approximately 4.06 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

The net gravitational force on the mass m1 at the origin can be calculated using Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. The formula for the gravitational force between two objects is F = (G * m1 * m2) / r^2, where F is the force, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, and r is the distance between the objects.

In this case, the mass at the origin (m1) is 2.45 kg, and the distance to the fourth mass (m4) at the center of the triangle is d/2, which is 3.65/2 = 1.825 m. The mass of the fourth object (m4) is 15.5 kg. Plugging in these values, we get:

F = (6.674 × 10^-11 N * m^2/kg^2 * 2.45 kg * 15.5 kg) / (1.825 m)^2

Calculating this expression gives us a net gravitational force on m1 of approximately 4.06 N.