Gravitational Force of Particles

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the gravitational force between three particles with specified masses and positions in a coordinate system. The original poster attempts to determine the gravitational force on a 26kg mass due to a 13kg mass located at a specific position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the components of the gravitational force and question the correctness of the original poster's calculations. There is a focus on understanding the distance between the particles and how it affects the force calculation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the assumptions about the distances involved and whether the calculations align with the expected results. Some participants express uncertainty about the original poster's approach, while others seek clarification on the distances between the particles.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding the distance between the particles, with conflicting interpretations arising in the discussion. The original poster references previous successful attempts at similar problems, suggesting a potential misunderstanding in this instance.

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Homework Statement


There are three particles;
1) 26kg at 12i-hat
2)13kg at -5j-hat
3)13 kg at 5j-hat

A) What is the gravitational force on the 26kg mass due to the 13kg mass at -5j-hat

Homework Equations


F= GMm/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


A) IN COMPONENTS;
Y Component
F=6.67E-11(13)(26)/5^2
9.01E-10 j-hat
X Component
F=6.67E-11(13)(26)/12^2
=1.57E-10 i-hat

I have solved this problem before in the exact same way and gotten the correct answers. I don't know why there answers are incorrect. Could someone point it out please? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
−1.2E−10i-hat −5.1E-11 j-hat

Correct answers...
 
Still unsure how the attempt to solve is wrong, help please?
 
@heartshapedbox
Is the distance between the objects 5j, 12i, or some other number?
 
256bits said:
@heartshapedbox
Is the distance between the objects 5j, 12i, or some other number?
Yes that's the distance!
 
heartshapedbox said:
Yes that's the distance!
No it isn't.
If fred is 3 m in front of you and Ella is 4m to your right, how far apart are Fred and Ella?
 

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