Calculating Gravitational Attraction: Solving for the Answer

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the gravitational attraction between two 3 kg textbooks that are 0.15 meters apart, the correct formula is F = Gm1m2/r². The gravitational constant G is 6.67 x 10^-11 N-m²/kg². By plugging in the values, the calculation becomes F = (3 kg * 3 kg * 6.67 x 10^-11 N-m²/kg²) / (0.15 m)². The final result of this calculation yields a gravitational attraction of approximately 2.7 x 10^-8 N. Understanding how to correctly apply the formula and square the distance is crucial for solving the problem.
Jimsac
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Here is the ex. in the book. Two 3.kg textbooks are .15 apart. What is the gravitational attraction?
The answer is given 2.7*10-8
I also know the formula is F=Gm1m2/r
I just do not understand what they are doing to get the answer.

(6.67*10-11 N-m2kg2)(3.kg)(3.kg)/.15
This is the formula I am trying to use

Please help!
 
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It's
F=\frac{m_1m_2G}{r^2}
distance squared.
 
I know the formula I do not understand how to solve it
 
Jimsac said:
I know the formula I do not understand how to solve it

Look closer. Your formula is wrong, and Nate's is right (note the "r2" in the denominator).
 
misunderstood

What I do not understand is what to do with the formula. How do you solve this problem? THis is just an example in the book with the answer given but I do not understand what to do with the formula to solve it. Sorry
 
Plug in the numbers:
F=\frac{m_1m_2G}{r^2} \Rightarrow \frac{3 \times 3 \times (6.67 \times 10^{-11})}{0.15^2}
 
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