Gravitational field and graavitational potential

[Gunman]

Homework Statement

I have problem with understanding gravitational field strength and potential.
How different is the gravitational field strrength(g) to gravitational potential?
And what exactly is gravitational potential?

I have one question which would help to bring across the problem.

Bodies P of 800 Kg and Q of 600 Kg are separated by 0.35 m as shown in the diagram below.

P (800 Kg) ========================================= Q (600 Kg)
================================X========================
(a) Determine the magnitude of the gravitational field strength due to both bodies at a point X, which is 0.20 m from P and 0.15 m from Q.

(b) Determine the gravitational potential at X due to two bodies.

Homework Equations

Gravitational potential = GM(Mass)/r
Gravitational field strength = GM(Mass)/r2

The Attempt at a Solution

(a) Using the formulae I found the gravitational field strength at point X due to P = 1.334*10^ -6.
Gravitational field strength at X due to Q is = 1.779 * 10 ^ - 6

So do I add the two using vector addition?

b) Gravitational potential at X due to P = -2.668 * 10 ^ -7
Gravitational potential at X due to Q at X due to Q = -2.668 * 10 ^ -7


So how do I go about solving this now?

Hmm.Thanks for any help given. =)

 

[Doc Al]

(a) Using the formulae I found the gravitational field strength at point X due to P = 1.334*10^ -6.
Gravitational field strength at X due to Q is = 1.779 * 10 ^ - 6

So do I add the two using vector addition?

Sure. One points to the left, the other to the right.

b) Gravitational potential at X due to P = -2.668 * 10 ^ -7
Gravitational potential at X due to Q at X due to Q = -2.668 * 10 ^ -7


So how do I go about solving this now?

Potential is a scalar--just add the contributions.

 

[Gunman]

Thanks . =)