Are My Gravitational Force and Field Calculations Correct?

In summary, the person is having trouble with understanding how to calculate gravitational forces between masses and is looking for help. They mention that they are using the correct formula, but suggest that the calculation be done in two directions and then added. They also mention that for a particular problem, the answer can be found by solving for the resultant of two forces.
  • #1
cvc121
61
1

Homework Statement


I am having some trouble with gravitational force and fields and would like some confirmation if I am on the right track and approaching the questions correctly. I have attached a couple of problems that I have worked through below.


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


The questions along with my attempt at the solution has been attached below. Am I on the right track with these problems? Which questions am I doing incorrectly? Thanks. All help is very much appreciated!
 

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  • #2
cvc121 said:
The questions along with my attempt at the solution has been attached below. Am I on the right track with these problems? Which questions am I doing incorrectly? Thanks. All help is very much appreciated!

i think you are using the correct formula for gravitational forces between the masses ;
but pl. check the calculation of distances between them as it comes as square in denominator.
regarding composition of say two forces its better to resolve them in two directions and then add them as you know the angles.
check the numbers again..
 
  • #3
Thanks for the reply. To which question and specific calculation are you referring to?
 
  • #4
cvc121 said:
Thanks for the reply. To which question and specific calculation are you referring to?

for example check the answer of question -3
its simple as G.M(3)/ R^2
= 6.67. 10^-11 . 5 . 10^30 /( 2. 1.5 . !0^11)^2
=(6.67. 5 /9) 10^-3
=(0.752 . 5 ). 10^-3 approx. comes to 3.76 x 10^-3 m/s^2
in other calculations also i will req. you not to put in values at the first instance but work with notations say m1, m2, m3 ,G and distances and put in values when you are finally calculating the numbers-the chances of error will be less.
say for
F(2-1) = G. m2. m1 / d(21) ^2
F(2-3) = G. m2. m3/ d(23) ^2 ; d(23) = Sqrt (2) d(21) so F(2-3) = Gm2.m3/ 2. d(21)^2
the above forces are making an angle of 45 degrees with each other
so you can write resultant of two forces as

R= sqrt ( F(2-1)^2 + F(2-3)^2 + 2. F(2-1). F(2-3) .Cos(45) ) then
Tan (theta) = F(2-3) sin 45/ F(2-1) where theta is the angle made by R with F(2-1)

many terms like G, m2. d(21)^2 will come out common from sqrt bracket and your calculation will be easy.
 

FAQ: Are My Gravitational Force and Field Calculations Correct?

What is gravitational force?

Gravitational force is a fundamental force of nature that describes the attraction between two objects with mass. It is responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the sun and objects on Earth from floating away.

What is the formula for calculating gravitational force?

The formula for calculating gravitational force is F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where F is the force, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between them.

How does the mass and distance between two objects affect gravitational force?

The greater the mass of the objects, the greater the gravitational force between them. Similarly, the farther apart the objects are, the weaker the gravitational force will be.

What is a gravitational field?

A gravitational field is a region in space where a mass experiences a force due to the presence of another mass. It is a way to visualize the influence of gravity on objects in space.

How does gravitational force differ from other forces?

Gravitational force is unique in that it acts on all objects with mass, regardless of their size or composition. It is also the weakest of the four fundamental forces of nature, but has an infinite range.

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