Okay so that method might still work, but using the function g=G*m/r^2 when is g close enough to 0 to say that the comet is not being acted on by the gravitational constant of the stars?
A binary star system has two stars, each with the same mass as our sun, separated by 1.6x10^12 m. A comet is very far away and essentially at rest. Slowly but surely, gravity pulls the comet toward the stars. Suppose the comet travels along a straight line that passes through the midpoint...
Okay so that's a great way to evaluate my original statement. The way I understand it, the kinetic energy that the truck has will all be converted into potential energy and work. So I think a better equation is:
K_i=U_f+W
Using Villyer's method I think this equation holds up; the kinetic energy...
Truck brakes can fail if they get too hot. In some mountainous areas, ramps of loose gravel are constructed to stop runaway trucks that have lost their brakes. The combination of a slight upward slope and a large coefficient of friction in the gravel brings the truck safely to a halt. Suppose a...