Force of gravity between two objects

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the gravitational force between two objects, specifically two cars, each with a mass of 100 kg, separated by a distance of 25 meters. The context is set within the framework of gravitational physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the gravitational force formula but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their values and approach. Some participants question the mass of the cars, suggesting a possible error in the original poster's assumption regarding their weight.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in exploring the implications of the calculations, with some noting the resulting force is extremely small, which aligns with expectations based on gravitational principles. There is a recognition of the diminishing effect of gravity with increased distance.

Contextual Notes

There is a potential misunderstanding regarding the mass of the cars, as one participant suggests that the mass may be 1000 kg instead of 100 kg. This discrepancy is under discussion but remains unresolved.

pinkcarnations
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hi i am stuck and don't know what to do next or if i am even on the right path. could someone help me please! :cry:

my question is what is the force of gravity between two 100kg cars separated by a distance of 25m on an interstate highway?
I started out like this:


fg=Gm1m2+6.67 x 10-11Nm2 x (1000kg) (1000kg)
r2 kg2 (25m)2



G=6.67 x 10-11 Nm2
kg2



then i don't know what to do or if this is even close






thanks to anyone with the time to help.
 
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Just plug in the CORRECT values in the formula for F:
[tex]F=\frac{Gm_{1}m_{2}}{r^{2}},G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{Nm^{2}}{kg^{2}},r=25m,m_{1}=m_{2}=100kg[/tex]

Query:Check the value of the mass for each car; are you sure it is 100kg, rather than 1000kg?
 
It gives me an extremely small result. Something like 0.0000001 N. It makes sense btw.
 
Last edited:
Would you expect anything else?
 
arildno said:
Would you expect anything else?

No because gravity weaks considerably with the distance (action at a distance).
 

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