PDA

View Full Version : finding magnitude of gravitational force?


gadawg90
Nov17-09, 09:55 PM
The masses and coordinates of three spheres are as follows: 16 kg, x = 0.75 m, y = 3.00 m; 34 kg, x = -2.50 m, y = -2.75 m; 60 kg, x = 0.00 m, y= -0.75 m. What is the magnitude of the gravitational force on a 30 kg sphere located at the origin due to the other spheres?

2. Relevant equations
i know to use this equation:F=(GMm)/r^2


i know you have to do a^2+b^2=c^2 to find the radius of each sphere but i just dont know what to do after that...

mgb_phys
Nov17-09, 10:04 PM
The 'r' in the equation is the distance between the (centres) of the sphere it's not their radius

(we use 'r' in the law because it's usually the radius of an orbit 0

gadawg90
Nov17-09, 10:15 PM
alright well if i find r then what do i do next?

mgb_phys
Nov17-09, 10:19 PM
Find 'F' for each object, then the overall direction/magnitude of F ( a diagram might help)

gadawg90
Nov17-09, 10:25 PM
im still confused. when i find the distance what do i use as the second mass in the equation. and when i find F for all three spheres how do i find the gravitational force for the sphere at the origin?