Gravity and mass of two objects

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two masses of unknown weight positioned on a straight line with a small red particle located between them. The particle remains stationary at a specific position, prompting a question about the ratio of the two masses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of gravitational force equations and the balance of forces acting on the stationary particle. There are attempts to establish relationships between the masses and their distances from the particle.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and suggestions regarding the relationships between the forces and distances, while others express confusion about the implications of the setup. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of uncertainty regarding the distances and the implications of the forces involved, as well as a lack of clarity on how to proceed with the calculations.

AnkhUNC
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Homework Statement


There are two masses of unknown weight on a straight line with a small red particle between them. At x (Measured from the center of m1) = .515 the particle does not move. What is the ratio of the two masses? i.e. m2/m1.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So do I use F = G*m1*m2/r^2? Since the particle isn't moving then the forces are balanced does this mean F = 0 then?
 
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Hi AnkhUNC! :smile:
AnkhUNC said:
So do I use F = G*m1*m2/r^2?

Not exactly … you use F1 = G*m*m1/r1^2 and F2 = G*m*m2/r2^2 and F1 = F2.

Hint: what is the relationship between m1/m2 and r1/r2? :smile:
 
On the right side the min x = .043 on the left side the max is .957. It starts out at .5 though which is in the middle so I guess <- is 0 and -> is 1.

r1/r2 = 1, they're both .5 away so .5/.5 = 1.

m2 is greater than m1 because the attraction is stronger so does m2 = .515 and m1 = .485?
 
So F = G*m*m1*m2?
 
AnkhUNC said:
On the right side the min x = .043 on the left side the max is .957. It starts out at .5 though which is in the middle so I guess <- is 0 and -> is 1.

Sorry, AnkhUNC, but I honestly have no idea what this means. :confused: :cry:
tiny-tim said:
F1 = G*m*m1/r1^2 and F2 = G*m*m2/r2^2 and F1 = F2.

Hint: divide F1 by F2. :smile:
 

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