How Do You Calculate Net Gravitational Force on Aligned Particles?

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To calculate the net gravitational force on aligned particles, apply the formula F = G * M * m / r^2 for each pair of particles. For particle a, consider the gravitational pull from particle b, while for particle c, account for the pull from particle b as well. The direction of the force on particles a and c will be towards particle b, while particle b experiences forces from both a and c. The net force on particle b will depend on the magnitudes of the forces from particles a and c, which need to be summed vectorially. Understanding the direction of forces is crucial, as end particles are attracted towards the middle particle, which experiences forces from both ends.
ludakrishna
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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.
 
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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.
 

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