Gravitational Force of Three Identical Masses

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net gravitational force acting on a mass located at the origin due to two other identical masses positioned at X1 = -10.0 and X2 = 43.0. The gravitational constant used is G = 6.673 x 10-11. The user attempted to apply the gravitational force formula F_grav = GMm/R2 and calculated individual forces as F1 = -0.00202 and F2 = 0.00109. The confusion arises regarding the correct mass to use in calculations, with clarification needed on whether to consider the total mass of 1650 or the individual mass of 550.

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  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Familiarity with gravitational constant (G = 6.673 x 10-11)
  • Knowledge of vector addition for forces
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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  • Explore gravitational force calculations involving multiple identical masses
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Homework Statement



Three identical masses of 550 each are placed on the x axis. One mass is at X1= -10.0 , one is at the origin, and one is at X2= 43.0 .
What is the magnitude of the net gravitational force on the mass at the origin due to the other two masses?

G = 6.673 x 10-11

Homework Equations



I'm using just the regular force of grav.

F_grav= GMm/R^2

Net force:
F_net= F1-F2

and I tried Gm^2(1/X1^2-1/X2^2)

I'm getting logical numbers, but they're not right.

I calculated Force1 to be -0.00202
I calculated Force2 to be 0.00109

I think I may have squared the mass to get the these numbers...what do I do with the masses? there are three of them, do I use 1650? or 550?
 
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