How Do I Calculate Gravitational Force Between Two Objects?

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SUMMARY

The gravitational force of attraction between a 46.0 kg girl and a 52.0 kg boy sitting 3.0 m apart can be calculated using Newton's law of universal gravitation, expressed as Fg = (m1 * m2 / r^2) * G. The correct values are m1 = 46.0 kg, m2 = 52.0 kg, r = 3.0 m, and G = 6.67e-11 N(m/kg)^2. The correct calculation yields a gravitational force of approximately 1.01e-9 N, correcting the initial misunderstanding of using addition instead of multiplication for mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Familiarity with the formula Fg = (m1 * m2 / r^2) * G
  • Basic knowledge of units of measurement in physics (N, kg, m)
  • Ability to perform algebraic calculations involving multiplication and division
NEXT STEPS
  • Study gravitational force calculations in different contexts, such as celestial bodies
  • Learn about the implications of gravitational force in astrophysics
  • Explore variations of gravitational force with changing distances and masses
  • Investigate the role of gravitational force in orbital mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of gravitational interactions between masses.

hshphyss
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Can anyone help me with this problem?

Approximate the gravitational force of attraction between a 46.0 kg girl and a 52.0 kg boy if they are sitting 3.0 m apart in physics class.

Since the formula is [(m1m2/r^2)]G=Fg. So I first tried [(46+52)/3^2]6.67e-11 and I got 7.27e-10. Then when the answer didn't work I thought maybe I was given the diamter, so i divided by 2, so I [(46+52)/1.5^2]6.67e-11, and I got 2.91e-8 and that was wrong to. I only have one more submission left to get this problem right, if you could help me it would be grately appreciated. Is there somthing special I need to do that I am missing? Thank-you
 
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m1m2 = m1 * m2, not m1 + m2
 
yeah that's what i did wrong... thank-you
 
Last edited:

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