Increasing Gravity and Acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance between two solid, spherical masses in a vacuum, specifically Sphere A with a mass of 10 kg and Sphere B with negligible mass, separated by 10 meters. The gravitational constant, G, is set at 1 N*m²/kg². The user attempts to apply the gravitational acceleration equation, g = G*m/r², and its derivatives but struggles to reconcile the results with an integral approach. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding differential equations to solve this problem effectively.

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  • Understanding of gravitational acceleration equations
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  • Familiarity with integral calculus
  • Concept of differential equations
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Physics students, mathematicians, and anyone interested in gravitational physics and the mathematical modeling of motion in a vacuum.

kaikalii
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So, assume a system of two solid, spherical masses in a vacuum. Sphere A has a mass of 10 kg, and Sphere B has negligible mass in comparison. The centers of the two spheres are 10 meters apart. For the sake of simplicity, let's say that in this universe, the gravity constant, G, is 1 N*m2/kg2. How would you determine the distance, x, between the centers of the two spheres at time t?

I have been trying to solve this problem using many methods, but have been unsuccessful.

I have been using the gravitational acceleration equation: g = G*m/r2
as well as the derivatives of acceleration: a = g, v = gt + v0, x = 1/2*gt2 + v0t + x0

I tried approximating on intervals of 1 second, i.e. x(0) = 10, x(1) = 9.95, x(2)= 9.8, x(3) = 9.547, etc.
However, I was unable to reconcile this pattern to an integral using an infinitely short time.

How do I solve this problem?

(It's not for homework, just curiosity.)
 
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It is still similar to homework questions, I think you'll get better answers there.

Do you know the concept of differential equations?
If yes, you can find one and solve it.
Without them, it is ... problematic.
 

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