The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational forces between two masses, specifically a 1kg mass and a 2kg mass placed 10m apart. The original poster seeks to determine the position of a third mass where the gravitational forces from the two masses cancel each other out, resulting in zero net gravitational force.
The discussion includes various attempts to calculate the distance from the 1kg mass where the gravitational forces balance. Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations and seek clarification on the steps involved. Guidance has been offered to follow a structured approach to solving the problem, though no consensus on a solution has been reached.
Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is an emphasis on following specific problem-solving techniques suggested by other members.
Good!Sapphiretwirl said:The 1 kg mass of course, but I don't know where to go from there :(
Pls post your working, not just the numeric answer. Preferably, do all the working in symbols, only plugging in numbers at the end. Follow Doc Al's recipe.Sapphiretwirl said:I got 1.7 meters for x
Then start again, following Doc Al's recipe. Answer each question in turn, as far as you can:Sapphiretwirl said:I really don't know what I did
Call the distance to the 1 kg mass "x". What is the force of gravity from the 1 kg mass at that point?
If the distance to the 1 kg mass is x, what would be the distance to the 2 kg mass?
What is the gravitational force from the 2 kg mass at that point?