The Gravitational Force (between two spherical objects)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the gravitational force between two spherical objects, specifically a bowling ball and a billiard ball, using the formula for gravitational force. The problem presents a challenge due to the inclusion of the radii of the spheres.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore how to apply the gravitational force formula, questioning the appropriate distance to use given the radii of the spheres. There is discussion about the implications of the maximum force and the assumption that the spheres are in contact.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between the distance and the maximum gravitational force, suggesting that the distance should be the sum of the radii when the spheres are next to each other. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the problem's parameters.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of explicit distance information in the problem, leading to assumptions about the configuration of the spheres. The discussion highlights the need to clarify how to interpret the given data for accurate calculations.

princess7115
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A bowling ball (mass=7.2 kg, radius=0.11m_ and a billiard ball (mass=.38kg, radius= .082m) may each be treated as uniform spheres. What is the magnitude of the maximum gravitational force that each can exert on the other?

I figured I was supposed to use F=Gm1m2/r^2 but I didn't know how to use the equation because the problem gave me to radii.
 
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if we want the maximum force, what can you say about the distance between them?
 
i'm not sure, I really don't get it. I just know that I'm supposed to use r and in every other problem, they give it to me and I don't know why I have two distances.
 
ok, what is r?
 
I got it. I just added the radii together. Because I figured if it didn't tell me how far apart the spheres were, I had to assume they were next to each other.
 
that is the way but it is not because the question didn't give you the distance.
maximum force means the distance is the least, this happens when they are next to each other, and that is why you add the radii together to get the r.
 
awesome, thank you for your help
 

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