Gravitational force: action and reaction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the interaction between two particles under gravitational force, emphasizing Newton's Third Law of Motion. When particle 1 exerts a gravitational force on particle 2, an equal and opposite force is exerted by particle 2 on particle 1, as defined by the equation F = G (m1 * m2) / r². This establishes that the net force on particle 1 is the sum of the gravitational forces exerted by both particles, confirming that F1 = -F2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with gravitational force equations
  • Knowledge of the gravitational constant (G)
  • Basic concepts of particle interaction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Newton's Third Law in various physical systems
  • Explore gravitational force calculations in multi-body systems
  • Investigate the role of the gravitational constant (G) in different contexts
  • Learn about the effects of distance (r) on gravitational interactions
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Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding gravitational interactions between particles.

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Consider two particles 1 and 2 that can interact with each other but are isolated from their surroundings. If an internal force from particle 1, for example, a gravitational force, acts on particle 2, then there must be a second internal force—equal in magnitude but opposite in direction—that particle 2 exerts on particle 1.
But if the particle 2 exerts a gravitational force too? Will the net force exerted on particle 1 be the sum of the gravitational forces 1 to 2 and 2 to 1?
 
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the force is given by

[tex]F=G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}[/tex]

the force on 1 = - force on 2

so F1= -F2
 

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