Gravitational lines of force for two equal point masses?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on sketching gravitational lines of force for two equal point masses, which are analogous to electrostatic lines of force. It is noted that while two equal positive and two equal negative charges generate similar field line diagrams, the direction of the arrows differs based on the nature of the charges. The conversation clarifies that choice "B" likely refers to a scenario involving one positive and one negative charge, which would not represent the same lines of force as two equal point masses. The participants agree that two equal positive charges correctly illustrate the gravitational field lines for the masses, while two negative charges would not create valid lines. Overall, the gravitational lines of force for two equal point masses mirror those of two equal positive charges in terms of directionality and structure.
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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