Gravitational lines of force for two equal point masses?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational "lines of force" for two equal point masses, drawing parallels to electrostatic lines of force associated with point charges. Participants are exploring the similarities and differences in the behavior of these forces in the context of gravitational and electric fields.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning whether the electric field line diagrams for two equal positive and two equal negative charges would be the same, and how this relates to gravitational lines of force for equal masses. There is also inquiry into the implications of the wording of the problem statement regarding the different charge configurations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and questioning the assumptions behind the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the direction of electric field lines, but there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the problem statement or the implications of the different charge configurations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential confusion in the wording of the problem, particularly regarding the implications of choice "B" and how it relates to the configurations of point charges. There is an underlying assumption that the behavior of electric fields can inform the understanding of gravitational fields.

ILoveCollege
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Gravitational "lines of force" for two equal point masses?

Homework Statement


"Sketch the gravitational "lines of forces" for two equal point masses. These are isomorphic to the electrostatic lines of force of
A. Two equal "+" point charges.
B. No pair of point charges separated by the same distance.
C. Two equal "-" point charges."


Homework Equations


None; E= F/Q; E=KQ/X^2


The Attempt at a Solution


My only question is wouldn't two "+" point charges and two "-" point charges have the same electric field line diagram?
 
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Yes, except the arrows will point in opposite directions, because the arrow points along the route a positive charge would take if placed in that spot. Would a positive charge move in the same direction regardless of if the two point charges making the field were both positive or both negative?
 


Yes? Whats choice "B" trying to state?
 


ILoveCollege said:
Yes? Whats choice "B" trying to state?

The yes was directed toward your "only question." B is worded awfully weird, but I assume it means 1 + and 1 - charge.
 


So , intuitively, two "+" equal charges would represent the lines of the electric field for two equal point masses because two "-" charges would mean that electric field lines would have to show up out of no where and that's not possible. Correct?
 

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