Are My Gravitational Force and Field Calculations Correct?

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The discussion focuses on confirming the accuracy of gravitational force and field calculations in a homework context. Participants suggest verifying the distance calculations, as they significantly impact the results due to their squared nature in formulas. It's advised to resolve forces into components before summing them, especially when angles are involved. One specific calculation is highlighted for correction, emphasizing the importance of working with variables before substituting numerical values to minimize errors. Overall, the conversation aims to enhance understanding and accuracy in gravitational calculations.
cvc121
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Homework Statement


I am having some trouble with gravitational force and fields and would like some confirmation if I am on the right track and approaching the questions correctly. I have attached a couple of problems that I have worked through below.


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


The questions along with my attempt at the solution has been attached below. Am I on the right track with these problems? Which questions am I doing incorrectly? Thanks. All help is very much appreciated!
 

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cvc121 said:
The questions along with my attempt at the solution has been attached below. Am I on the right track with these problems? Which questions am I doing incorrectly? Thanks. All help is very much appreciated!

i think you are using the correct formula for gravitational forces between the masses ;
but pl. check the calculation of distances between them as it comes as square in denominator.
regarding composition of say two forces its better to resolve them in two directions and then add them as you know the angles.
check the numbers again..
 
Thanks for the reply. To which question and specific calculation are you referring to?
 
cvc121 said:
Thanks for the reply. To which question and specific calculation are you referring to?

for example check the answer of question -3
its simple as G.M(3)/ R^2
= 6.67. 10^-11 . 5 . 10^30 /( 2. 1.5 . !0^11)^2
=(6.67. 5 /9) 10^-3
=(0.752 . 5 ). 10^-3 approx. comes to 3.76 x 10^-3 m/s^2
in other calculations also i will req. you not to put in values at the first instance but work with notations say m1, m2, m3 ,G and distances and put in values when you are finally calculating the numbers-the chances of error will be less.
say for
F(2-1) = G. m2. m1 / d(21) ^2
F(2-3) = G. m2. m3/ d(23) ^2 ; d(23) = Sqrt (2) d(21) so F(2-3) = Gm2.m3/ 2. d(21)^2
the above forces are making an angle of 45 degrees with each other
so you can write resultant of two forces as

R= sqrt ( F(2-1)^2 + F(2-3)^2 + 2. F(2-1). F(2-3) .Cos(45) ) then
Tan (theta) = F(2-3) sin 45/ F(2-1) where theta is the angle made by R with F(2-1)

many terms like G, m2. d(21)^2 will come out common from sqrt bracket and your calculation will be easy.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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