Which describes the 1D gravitational force in this figure?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the 1D gravitational force represented by the equation Fgrav=−GMmx², where the force is directed opposite to the displacement of mass m as it moves away from a gravitational source. The participant concludes that moving mass m from position x1 to infinity results in negative work due to the gravitational force acting in the opposite direction of the movement. This conclusion is based on the understanding that as mass m moves away from the gravitational pull, the work done by gravity is negative.

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Westin
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Homework Statement


[/B]
1)Which describes the 1D gravitational force in this figure. (+x is to the right.)

a)Something else.
b)Fgrav=−GMmx2
c)Fgrav=+GMmx22)In moving the little mass m from x1 to infinity the force of gravity does _____________ work.

a) positive
b) negative
c) no

I added an attachment for the figure


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I only have one attempt at it so I want to make sure my logic is right.

1) I think the answer is Fgrav=−GMmx2 because the little mass is going away from the gravitational pull
2) Because of my explanation in #1, I believe the answer is negative


 

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I agree.
Westin said:
because the little mass is going away from the gravitational pull
We don't know where the mass is going, but x is going in the "away" direction.
 

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