Calculating Maximum Gravitational Force between Bowling Ball and Billiard Ball

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the maximum gravitational force between a bowling ball and a billiard ball, both treated as uniform spheres. The relevant equation for gravitational force is provided, along with the masses and radii of the balls.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the gravitational force equation and question the distance used between the centers of the two spheres. There is a consideration of whether the balls are assumed to be touching, leading to a discussion about the sum of their radii.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying the distance between the centers and verifying calculations. Some guidance has been provided regarding the correct interpretation of the distance, but no consensus has been reached on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential error in inputting values into an online system, which may affect the outcome. Participants are also reflecting on their calculations and assumptions regarding the setup of the problem.

ladolce
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Homework Statement



A bowling ball (mass = 7.2 kg, radius = 0.10 m) and a billiard ball (mass = 0.41 kg, radius = 0.028 m) may each be treated as uniform spheres. What is the magnitude of the maximum gravitational force that each can exert on the other?

Homework Equations



F=G(m1xm2)/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



i used the equation

F=[ 6.67x10^-11 ] [7.2] [.41]/1.2^2

but i keep getting a wrong answer of 1.2 x 10^-8 i don't know what i did wrong...
 
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I'm so confused, can anyone help me? :/
 
ladolce said:
F=[ 6.67x10^-11 ] [7.2] [.41]/1.2^2
What's the distance between their centers?
 
i think it's assuming that they're touching so it would be the sum of the radiuses..
 
Right. And what would that sum be?
 
haha, oops so it's 0.128... i thought i did that, mustve typed it wrong...but still, taht wouldn't make my way right would it?
 
Looks like you did use the correct value for the distance between the centers. I see nothing wrong with your solution.
 
i guess it's the way i entered it into webassign :(
 

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