Finding net force on object with more than one force

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net gravitational force acting on sphere A, which has a mass of 8 kg and is influenced by two other 8 kg spheres located at specific coordinates. The gravitational force is calculated using the formula F = GMm/r². The user attempted to resolve the forces acting on sphere A by breaking them into components but arrived at an incorrect value of 3.1388e-10. The discussion emphasizes the importance of vector addition in determining the net force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Familiarity with vector addition and components
  • Knowledge of gravitational force calculations
  • Basic algebra and trigonometry skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of vector addition in physics
  • Study gravitational force calculations using F = GMm/r²
  • Explore examples of net force calculations with multiple objects
  • Learn about the effects of distance on gravitational force
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on gravitational forces and vector analysis, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to net force calculations.

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Homework Statement



Three 8kg spheres are located at (0, 1.7), (1.7, 1.7), and (1.7, 0) named A, B, and C respectively. What is the net gravitational force acting on sphere A?

Homework Equations



F = GMm/r2

The Attempt at a Solution



So far I've tried this several ways with no success. I'm not really sure where to begin. Since there is only one acting in the vertical direction I started there. I found the amount of force that the two had towards each other. Then I did some math to determine how much of that is downward. I came up with 3.1388e-10 which is incorrect. I tried the other one in a similar fashion. I found both of the forces then added the two together. Not directly but finding how much is being pulled horizontally and adding to the other. I'm almost 100% sure that I am forgetting something or just messed up somewhere along the way.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
They are vectors aren't they?

G1 = ... i + ... j

G2 = ... i + ... j

G1 + G2 = ... ?
 

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