- #1
Gunman
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Homework Statement
I have problem with understanding gravitational field strength and potential.
How different is the gravitational field strrength(g) to gravitational potential?
And what exactly is gravitational potential?
I have one question which would help to bring across the problem.
Bodies P of 800 Kg and Q of 600 Kg are separated by 0.35 m as shown in the diagram below.
P (800 Kg) ========================================= Q (600 Kg)
================================X========================
(a) Determine the magnitude of the gravitational field strength due to both bodies at a point X, which is 0.20 m from P and 0.15 m from Q.
(b) Determine the gravitational potential at X due to two bodies.
Homework Equations
Gravitational potential = GM(Mass)/r
Gravitational field strength = GM(Mass)/r2
The Attempt at a Solution
(a) Using the formulae I found the gravitational field strength at point X due to P = 1.334*10^ -6.
Gravitational field strength at X due to Q is = 1.779 * 10 ^ - 6
So do I add the two using vector addition?
b) Gravitational potential at X due to P = -2.668 * 10 ^ -7
Gravitational potential at X due to Q at X due to Q = -2.668 * 10 ^ -7
So how do I go about solving this now?
Hmm.Thanks for any help given. =)