How Do You Calculate Net Gravitational Force on Aligned Particles?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The net gravitational force on aligned particles can be calculated using Newton's law of universal gravitation, represented by the formula F = G * M * m / r². In this discussion, three particles with masses ma = 363 kg, mb = 517 kg, and mc = 154 kg are positioned in a straight line with specified distances between them. The gravitational forces acting on each particle must be summed to determine the net force, taking into account the direction of the forces, where end particles are attracted towards the middle particle, which experiences forces from both sides.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Familiarity with gravitational force calculations
  • Knowledge of vector addition for forces
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study gravitational force calculations using different mass values
  • Learn about vector addition in physics for force direction determination
  • Explore the implications of gravitational force in multi-particle systems
  • Investigate the effects of distance on gravitational attraction
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding gravitational interactions between multiple particles.

ludakrishna
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Three particles far away from any other objects are located on a straight line. The masses of these particles are ma = 363kb, mb= 517 kg, and mc = 154kg. Find the magnitude and direction of the net graviational force actiong on particle a, particle b, and particle c. The distance between a and b is .500m from center point to center point. And the distance between b and c is .250m.



F = G * M * m/r^2



do i just solve it using the equation above. F = G * 363 * 517 / .250^2. If so, how do i figure out the direction if it is on a line.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Be thankful its on a line, what is being asked for is the direction of the force. Hint: the particles on the end will be "pulled" toward the others, but the middle particle has a choice.
In each case you have to sum the forces exerted by the other two particles on the third.
 

Similar threads

How to get gravitational force on a gaseous particle?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
Gravitational Forces between two masses
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Net gravitational force on an object
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Correct statement about gravitational force, field and potential
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
How can the force of a normal reaction be electromagnetic?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Magnitude of net Gravitational Force
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Force on a rotating wheel/disc
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Balanced forces - Electrical and Gravitational forces
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Net force acting on a charged particle ##+Q##
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Gravitational Field Multiple Choice Help
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K