Newton's law of universal gravitation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding a point between the Earth and the Moon where the net gravitational force on an object is zero. Participants analyze the gravitational forces exerted by both celestial bodies, using the formula Fge = Fgm to set up their equations. The mass of the Earth and Moon, along with the distance between them, are provided for calculations. There is confusion regarding the rearrangement of the equations to isolate variables correctly, with users seeking clarification on the proper steps. Ultimately, the correct approach involves cross-multiplying to achieve the desired relationship between the masses and distances.
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Homework Statement



is there a point between the Earth and the moon for which the net gravitational force on an object is zero? Where is this point located? Note that the mass of the Earth is 5.98x10^24 kg, the mass of the moon is 7.35x10^22kg, and the distance between the centres of Earth and moon is 3.84x10^8m.

Homework Equations



Fge=Fgm

so GMeMp/x^2 = GMmMp/(r-x)^2
p being the point, x being the radius of earth

The Attempt at a Solution



i tried to rearrange...to find r. and got MeMm=x^2*(r-x)^2 ?
so that means 5.98*10^24(7.35*10^22)= x^2(3.84*10^8-x)^2 ??

Can someone tell me how to rearrange it, cause it's supposed to be rearraned to Mm/Me(x^2)=R^2-2r+x^2 ... Thanks!

Homework Statement

 
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wow22 said:

Homework Statement



is there a point between the Earth and the moon for which the net gravitational force on an object is zero? Where is this point located? Note that the mass of the Earth is 5.98x10^24 kg, the mass of the moon is 7.35x10^22kg, and the distance between the centres of Earth and moon is 3.84x10^8m.

Homework Equations



Fge=Fgm

so GMeMp/x^2 = GMmMp/(r-x)^2
p being the point, x being the radius of earth

The Attempt at a Solution



i tried to rearrange...to find r. and got MeMm=x^2*(r-x)^2 ?
so that means 5.98*10^24(7.35*10^22)= x^2(3.84*10^8-x)^2 ??

Can someone tell me how to rearrange it, cause it's supposed to be rearraned to Mm/Me(x^2)=R^2-2r+x^2 ... Thanks!
How did you ever get MeMm=x2*(r-x)2

from GMeMp/x2 = GMmMp/(r-x)2

?
 
GMp crosses out both sides.. to make Me/X^2 = Mm/(R-x)^2
so cross multiply, MeMm=X^2*(r-x)^2

..why? how was i supposed to do it?
 
wow22 said:
GMp crosses out both sides.. to make Me/X^2 = Mm/(R-x)^2
so cross multiply, MeMm=X^2*(r-x)^2

..why? how was i supposed to do it?
That's not what you get from cross multiplying !

Cross multiply this:
\displaystyle\frac{M_e}{x^2}=\frac{M_m}{(r-x)^2}​
Mm and Me should end up on opposite sides of the equation from each other.
 
Oh wow.. How did I not realize that ...
haha so its Me(r-x)^2 = Mm(x^2)
Thankkss!
 
http://www.infoocean.info/avatar2.jpg GMp crosses out both sides..
 
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