Calculate Force of 4 Spheres on 1 Sphere

  • Thread starter Thread starter Scorpiogrl
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Vectors
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the gravitational force exerted on one sphere by three others located at the corners of a square. Each sphere has a mass of 9.5 kg and is positioned 0.60 m apart. The gravitational force is determined using the formula F=G(m1*m2)/r^2, where G is the gravitational constant. The forces from adjacent spheres are calculated directly, while the force from the diagonal sphere is adjusted for distance, and the resultant force is found by vector addition of the x and y components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Familiarity with vector addition
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study gravitational force calculations using the formula F=G(m1*m2)/r^2
  • Learn about vector addition in physics for combining forces
  • Explore trigonometry applications in physics, particularly sine and cosine functions
  • Investigate gravitational interactions in multi-body systems
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying gravitational forces, as well as educators looking for examples of vector addition in force calculations.

Scorpiogrl
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Four 9.5 kg spheres are located at the corners of a square of side 0.60 m. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the gravitational force on one sphere due to the other three.


Homework Equations



F=G(mass of #1)(mass of #2)/r^2
F=G(mass of #1)(mass of #3)/r^2
F=G(mass of #1)(mass of #2)/r^2
For #3 take Fsin(45)=x value
For #3 x value=y value

x and y components added
F=squareroot(x^2+y^2)


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Scorpiogrl said:

Homework Statement



Four 9.5 kg spheres are located at the corners of a square of side 0.60 m. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the gravitational force on one sphere due to the other three.


Homework Equations



F=G(mass of #1)(mass of #2)/r^2
F=G(mass of #1)(mass of #3)/r^2
F=G(mass of #1)(mass of #2)/r^2
For #3 take Fsin(45)=x value
For #3 x value=y value

x and y components added
F=squareroot(x^2+y^2)


The Attempt at a Solution


Since you are given the mass and separation of these spheres, you could use the standard formula to find the attraction force between two adjacent spheres.
Let's call that F at the moment.

Now, suppose the 4 spheres are A, top Left; B top Right; C bottom Left; D Bottom Right.

Consider Sphere C.
A pulls up with force F [as calculated above.
D pulls Right with Force F
B bulls diagonally with a force less than F, because it is forther away. But you know how much further so can calculate the force.

Now just add those three forces as vectors and you have it.

Now do A, B and D
 

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
945
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 97 ·
4
Replies
97
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K