- #1
kubaanglin
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Homework Statement
Two identical point masses, each of mass ##M##, always remain separated by a distance of ##2R##. A third mass ##m## is then placed a distance ##x## along the perpendicular bisector of the original two masses. Show that the gravitational force on the third mass is directed inward along the perpendicular bisector and has a magnitude of
$$F = \frac {2GMmx}{(x^2+R^2)^\frac{3}{2}}$$
Homework Equations
$$F = G\frac {m_1m_2}{r^2}$$
The Attempt at a Solution
Am I on the right track? If so, what do I do from here? If not, where did I go wrong?