Forces with universal gravity

1. Mar 25, 2008

gmunoz18

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A bowling ball (mass = 7.2 kg, radius = 0.10 m) and a billiard ball (mass = 0.48 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?
N

2. Relevant equations

F=G((m1*m2)/r^2)

g being gravitaional constant

3. The attempt at a solution

G((7.2*.48)/(.128))=1.801e-9

2. Mar 25, 2008

Snazzy

Where is r^2?

3. Mar 25, 2008

gmunoz18

i have solved it by

((7.2*.48)/(.128*2))*G

the only thing i didnt understand was where the objects relative to each other so i presumed they were touching.

4. Sep 23, 2008

fluidistic

Take a look at the formula $$F=\frac{Gm_1m_2}{r^2}$$. $$G$$ is a constant and so are $$m_1$$ and $$m_2$$. Now we ask ourselves a question : " when will $$F$$ reach a maximum when $$r$$ varies?". It's obvious that more $$r$$ is little more $$F$$ is greater. So $$F$$ reaches a maximum when $$r$$ reaches its minimum. And what is the minimum of $$r$$? It's simply the sum of the radius of the 2 balls, as you did. So it will be $$0.128\text{ m}$$.
Take care about what you wrote in the denominator of
, I think you forgot that $$r$$ was squared and not multiplied by $$2$$. Otherwise everything's good.