Calculating Net Gravitational Force on a Sphere from Multiple Particles

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the net gravitational force on a 20.0 kg sphere at the origin due to three other particles with specified masses and coordinates. The gravitational force equation is applied, but the user is struggling with the calculations, particularly in determining the correct angles and resultant forces. Specific forces between the 20 kg sphere and the other particles are computed, but the user suspects errors in the final summation of the force components. The final magnitude of the calculated force appears incorrect, indicating a potential miscalculation in either the force components or their vector addition. The user seeks clarification and assistance in resolving these discrepancies.
Dotty21690
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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.
 
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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.
 
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