Potential Energy of a system of particles

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SUMMARY

The potential energy of a system consisting of three particles, each with a mass of 4.00 g, positioned at the corners of an equilateral triangle with sides of 36.0 cm, is calculated using the formula U_total = Gm1m2/R + Gm1m3/R + Gm2m3/R. The gravitational constant G is 6.67300E-11, and the distance R between the particles is derived as 0.2078 m. The total potential energy is computed to be 1.5414E-14 J. However, the final answer is noted as incorrect, prompting further discussion on the calculation of distance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy calculations
  • Familiarity with the gravitational constant (G = 6.67300E-11 N m²/kg²)
  • Knowledge of the properties of equilateral triangles
  • Basic algebra for summing potential energy contributions
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of distance in gravitational potential energy calculations
  • Learn about the implications of mass and distance in gravitational interactions
  • Explore the concept of gravitational potential energy in multi-particle systems
  • Investigate common errors in potential energy calculations and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in gravitational interactions and potential energy calculations in multi-particle systems.

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A system consists of three particles, each of mass 4.00 g, located at the corners of an equilateral triangle with sides of 36.0 cm.

(a) Calculate the potential energy of the system.

m = .004, d = .2078

UG = Gm1m2/R
U_total = sum of U_i
U_total = Gm1m2/R + Gm1m3/R + Gm2m3/R
U_total = [((6.67300E-11)(.004)(.004))/(.2078)] * 3
U_total = 1.5414E-14

Final answer is incorrect. Any ideas?
 

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How did you get d = .2078 ? That looks wrong to me, though I haven't seen your attachment yet.
 

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