Newton's law of universal gravitation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether there exists a point between the Earth and the Moon where the net gravitational force on an object is zero. Participants are given specific masses for the Earth and Moon, as well as the distance between them, and are exploring the implications of these values in the context of gravitational forces.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to set up the equation for gravitational forces and rearranging it to find the point of equilibrium. There are questions about the correct manipulation of the equations and the relationships between the variables involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the algebraic steps needed to rearrange the equations, while others are questioning the correctness of these steps. There is an ongoing exploration of how to properly cross-multiply and isolate terms in the equations.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the algebraic manipulation of the gravitational force equations, and participants are clarifying their understanding of the relationships between the masses and distances involved.

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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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