Find the net gravitational force?

In summary, there are three planets (X, Y, and Z) situated in a row, with the given distances and masses. To find the net gravitational force on planet Z, we can use the formula F = Gm1m2/r2 by adding the forces of XZ and YZ, with the distance between XZ and YZ being the sum of the distances between X+Y and Y+Z.
  • #1
wasi90lk
5
0

Homework Statement



three planets, X,Y and Z, are situated in 3 different places.

distance between X and Y = 60 x 106 km

distance between Y and Z = 50 x 106 km

mass of X = 3.0 x 1024 kg

mass of Y = 4.0 x 1024 kg

mass of Z = 5.0 x 1024 kg

find the net gravitational force on planet Z.


Homework Equations



F = Gm1m2/r2


The Attempt at a Solution



i am not sure where to start.
 
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  • #2
wasi90lk said:

Homework Statement



three planets, X,Y and Z, are situated in 3 different places.

distance between X and Y = 60 x 106 km
distance between Y and Z = 50 x 106 km

mass of X = 3.0 x 1024 kg
mass of Y = 4.0 x 1024 kg
mass of Z = 5.0 x 1024 kg

find the net gravitational force on planet Z.

Homework Equations



F = Gm1m2/r2

The Attempt at a Solution


i am not sure where to start.

You would expect to solve by superposition, in adding the force of XZ and YZ. But what is the distance from X to Z? Is there a diagram? Is there a typo? Are they all 3 in a row?
 
  • #3
they are all in a row. distance between X and Z isn't given, but we can get that by adding distance of X+Y and distance of Y+Z.
 
  • #4
wasi90lk said:
they are all in a row. distance between X and Z isn't given, but we can get that by adding distance of X+Y and distance of Y+Z.

OK. So solve it then. You have the right formula.
 

1. What is net gravitational force?

Net gravitational force is the overall force of attraction between two objects due to their masses and the distance between them. It is the combination of all the individual gravitational forces between the objects.

2. How is net gravitational force calculated?

Net gravitational force is calculated using the universal law of gravitation, which states that the force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

3. Why is net gravitational force important?

Net gravitational force is important because it is responsible for keeping objects in orbit around larger objects, such as planets around the sun. It also plays a crucial role in determining the motions of objects in our universe.

4. How does distance affect net gravitational force?

The net gravitational force between two objects decreases as the distance between them increases. This is because the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects. Therefore, the farther apart the objects are, the weaker the gravitational force between them.

5. Can net gravitational force be negative?

No, net gravitational force cannot be negative. It is always a positive value, as it represents the attractive force between two objects. However, it can be cancelled out or balanced by other opposing forces, resulting in a net force of zero.

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