How Does Distance Affect Gravitational Force Between Objects?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the gravitational force between two objects with masses of 285 kg and 585 kg, separated by a distance of 0.390 m, and determining the position of a 30.0 kg object where the net gravitational force is zero. The net gravitational force calculated is 0.000015798 N. The user attempts to find the equilibrium position using the gravitational force equations but encounters difficulties in solving for the correct distance.

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Objects with masses of 285 kg and a 585 kg are separated by 0.390 m. Find the net gravitational force exerted by these objects on a 30.0 kg object placed midway between them. Then, at what position (other than infinitely remote ones) can the 30.0 kg object be placed so as to experience a net force of zero?

I found the net gravitational force to be .000015798. The second part of the question is what I don't get. I tried F1-F2=0 and F2-F1=0 and setting them equal to each other so that

.000000451/(.39-x)^2 = .000001491/x^2

but it didn't come out right.
 
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Consider the force exerted on the third object by each of the two masses; set the distance from mass 1 to mass 3 as d;

[tex]F_{13}=F_{23} \Rightarrow \frac{Gm_{1}m_{3}}{d^{2}} = \frac{Gm_{2}m_{3}}{(0.390-d)^2}[/tex]

Does that make sense?
 

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