Trying to figure out gravitational attraction between two objects.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the gravitational attraction between two objects using Newton's Law of Universal Gravity. The original poster is attempting to determine the force of attraction based on given masses and distance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of ensuring units are correct, with some clarifying that the masses are in kilograms and the distance in meters. There is confusion regarding the notation of forces F1 and F2, with some suggesting they represent equal and opposite forces. Others express uncertainty about performing the calculations and the implications of using exponents.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on unit conversion and calculation methods. Some express frustration over not having access to a calculator, while others attempt to clarify the concepts involved. There is no explicit consensus on the final answer, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention constraints such as being in fifth grade and lacking a calculator capable of handling the calculations. There is also a reference to the original poster's sister's misunderstanding of the gravitational constant.

LuigiHomer
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Trying to figure out the gravitational attraction between two objects using Newton's Law of Universal Gravity.Need to figure out what the force is.Here is a model.If anything is in ordinary parentheses then it is an exponent.

----------------------G
--------____________|_____________400x300
F1=F2=[6.673x10(-11)N m(2) kg (-2)] -----
-------------------------------------2,000(2)






Force is proportional to the product of the two masses{120,000}and inversely proportional to square of distance between two point masses.{4,000,000}




Please help me figure out what F1 is,since F1 is equal to F2.

-LH
 
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First thing you must do is ensure all your numbers are in the right units: kilograms & metres (since those are the units that G is in). I don't know what units your numnber are in now.

F - the force between them - will be equal to your formula there.
 
Okay.The two point masses are in KG.The distance is in metres.G is in Newtons.
 
So, what answer did you get?

The formula you have listed will calculate "the force of attraction between two bodies". One force, not two. Not sure where the F1=F2= came from.
 
I can't figure it out.Kind of new to the concept of using Newton's laws.Kind of new to physics.
 
I would think F1 is force felt by object #1 and F2 is the force felt by object #2, and they are equal in magnitude, while opposite in direction.

Simply multiply and divide and you are done.

G x M1 X M2 / (R x R) = F1 = F2

From your post we have:

M1 = 400 KG
M2 = 300 KG
R = 2000 M

And we know G.

So, just do the math! There's no physics left to figure out.
 
I don't have a calculator that can even REGISTER Newtons,and our teacher took it away.:(What a meanie.
 
My sister THINKS it is 0.030.
 
Do you guys have a suggestion
for a good, reliable computer calculator for free that can do what Molinaro said to do?
 
  • #10
@ DaveC,It is that they BOTH exert gravitational force.F1 is equal to F2,which is the other force.
 
  • #11
LuigiHomer said:
Do you guys have a suggestion
for a good, reliable computer calculator for free that can do what Molinaro said to do?

> START > PROGRAMS > ACCESSORIES > CALCULATOR

then menu > VIEW > SCIENTIFIC
 
  • #12
My sister didn't incorporate G.My head hurts.I'm only in 5th grade,you know.
 
  • #13
I think it's 0.6.Please help me.More.
 
  • #14
LuigiHomer said:
I don't have a calculator that can even REGISTER Newtons,and our teacher took it away.:(What a meanie.
You don't need a calculator that registers' Newtons...
You're just doing math.
 
  • #15
LuigiHomer said:
@ DaveC,It is that they BOTH exert gravitational force.F1 is equal to F2,which is the other force.

They do both exert a force. That formula will calculate the entire forfce between the two masses.
 
  • #16
DaveC426913 said:
You don't need a calculator that registers' Newtons...
You're just doing math.

Once again,I AM A FIFTH GRADER!
 
  • #17
LuigiHomer said:
Once again,I AM A FIFTH GRADER!
I'm sorry, I missed that.

Have you learned exponents?
6.67x10^-11 is equal to .0000000000667

So:

F = (.0000000000667)*400*300 / (2000^2)

Masses of 300-400kg that a distance of 2km have an extremely small force of attraction.
Your answer should be a very, very small number - about 11 zeros.
 
  • #18
LuigiHomer said:
I'm only in 5th grade,you know.

No, we didn't know that, until you mentioned it in this post. :rolleyes:
 

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