At which locations would both planets gravitational force pull on you ?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the locations where the gravitational forces from two planets, one with double the mass of the other, pull in the same direction. The key to solving the problem lies in applying the inverse square law of gravitation, represented by the equation F = G (Mm/r²). The participants conclude that locations A and D are where both planets exert gravitational force in the same direction, while the maximum gravitational pull occurs at location D due to its proximity to the more massive planet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force and the inverse square law
  • Familiarity with Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Basic knowledge of mass and distance in physics
  • Ability to interpret gravitational equations and their variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the inverse square law in gravitational contexts
  • Explore Newton's law of universal gravitation in detail
  • Investigate how mass and distance affect gravitational force
  • Practice solving problems involving multiple gravitational sources
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of gravitational forces between celestial bodies.

laurenwings5
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b465/laurenwings5/Picture1-1.jpg

Two planets with the same diameter are close to each other, as shown.
One planet has twice the mass as the other planet.
At which locations would both planets’
gravitational force pull on you in the same
direction? From among these four locations,
where would you stand so that the force of
gravity on you is a maximum; i.e., at which
point would you weigh the most?

1. A and B; D
2. C; A
3. D; D
4. B and C; C
5. B and C; D
6. None of these
7. A and D; A
8. B; D
9. A and D; D



Homework Equations


I have no idea. Please help :/


The Attempt at a Solution


I would think C and D, but that's not an answer choice, so what am I doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well its easy to see just from looking.

But to prove it you will need to use the inverse square law which is

F = G [tex]\frac{Mm}{r^{2}}[/tex]

Where F is the force in Newtons (the bit you need to find)
G is Newtons gravitational constant (6.673x[tex]10^{-11}[/tex]
M and m are the two different masses in Kg
r is the distance from the center of gravity.

The distances between the points appears to be the same, so you can just say r, 2r etc.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
41
Views
4K