Calculating Net Gravitational Force on a Sphere from Multiple Particles

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the net gravitational force acting on a 20.0 kg sphere located at the origin due to three other particles with specified masses and coordinates. The participants are tasked with determining both the magnitude and direction of this force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the gravitational force formula to calculate the forces between the 20 kg sphere and the other particles, using trigonometric functions to resolve the components. Some participants question the calculations and seek clarification on the steps taken.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations involved, with one participant expressing uncertainty about their results. The discussion includes attempts to verify the calculations and identify potential errors, indicating a collaborative effort to clarify the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is an emphasis on understanding the gravitational interactions without providing complete solutions.

Dotty21690
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The masses and coordinates of three particles are as follows: 20.0 kg, (0.50, 1.00) m; 432.0 kg, (-1.00, -1.00) m; 71.0 kg, (0.00, -0.50) m. What is the gravitational force on a 20.0 kg sphere located at the origin due to the other spheres, magnitude and direction? Give the direction as an angle in degrees counter clockwise with respect to the the + x-axis.

Homework Equations



Fgrav=(Gm*m)/r2

The Attempt at a Solution


I did this equation from the 20 kg sphere to all the other ones, and did that force times cos and sin. but I am not getting the right answer.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Show your calculations.
 
for the 20 kg to the 71 kg: F = (6.67E-11Nm^2/kg^2*20kg*71kg)/(.5m^2)=.000000379 (and this should be negative since its in the negative y direction and there is no x force)

for the 20kg to the 432 kg: F =(6.67E-11Nm^2/kg^2*20kg*432kg)/(sqrt(2)m^2)=.000000288
(negative because below x-axis) fx= .000000288cos(45)=.000000204=Fy

for the 20kg to the 20 kg: F =(6.67E-11Nm^2/kg^2*20kg*20kg)/(sqrt(1.25)m^2)=.000000019
Fx= .000000021cos(63.43)=.000000009 and Fy=.000000021sin(63.43)=.000000019

then I added them together: Fx= .000000009+(-.000000204)=-.000000195
Fy= .000000019+(-.000000379)+(-000000204)=-.000000564

(-.000000195)^2 + (-.000000564)^2= 3.56121E-13
sqrt(3.56121E-13)=5.97E-7
 
I know I'm doing something wrong...but I don't know what it is.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K