Gravitational Force Between Planets

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the gravitational force between two lead balls of different masses and determining the ratio of this force to the weight of the smaller ball. The subject area is gravitational force and ratios in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the gravitational force using the formula Gm1m2/r^2 and has successfully found the force. However, they express uncertainty about how to find the ratio of this force to the weight of the smaller ball. Some participants suggest that the ratio can be found by dividing the gravitational force by the weight of the ball.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on the method to find the ratio. There is an acknowledgment of the need to convert mass into weight, indicating that participants are exploring the necessary steps to complete the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to convert the mass of the 442 g ball into weight in Newtons, suggesting that the context of the problem is based on Earth’s gravitational field.

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Homework Statement


Part 1)
The centers of a 21.2 kg lead ball and a 442 g lead ball are separated by 10.38 cm. What gravitational force does each exert on the other?

Part 2)
What is the ratio of this gravitational force to the weight of the 442 g ball?

The Attempt at a Solution



I found part 1 - 5.8 X 10^-8 N by using the formula Gm1m2/r^2.
Part 2 I haven't the slightest idea. Does anyone know how to find the ratio?

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
To find a ratio of gravitational force to the weight of the 442 g ball, it is simply the gravitational force divided by the weight of the ball.
 
So simple and yet I couldn't get it! Thank you.
 
remember to convert 442g, a mass, into a weight in Newtons (on Earth I presume).
 

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