[4.] Two point masses m and 10 m lie along the x-axis, with m at the origin and 10 m at x = L. A third point mass M is moved along the x-axis. (a) At what point is the net gravitational force on M due to the other two masses equal to zero? (b) Sketch the x-component of the net force on M due to m and 10m taking quantities to the right as positive. Include the regions x < 0; 0 < x < L, and x > L. Be especially careful to show the behavior of the graph on either side of x = 0 and x = L.

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Topic Video
Question
### Problem Statement

**4.**  Two point masses \( m \) and \( 10m \) lie along the x-axis, with \( m \) at the origin and \( 10m \) at \( x = L \). A third point mass \( M \) is moved along the x-axis.

**(a)** At what point is the net gravitational force on \( M \) due to the other two masses equal to zero?

**(b)** Sketch the x-component of the net force on \( M \) due to \( m \) and \( 10m \), taking quantities to the right as positive. Include the regions \( x < 0 \); \( 0 < x < L \), and \( x > L \). Be especially careful to show the behavior of the graph on either side of \( x = 0 \) and \( x = L \).

---

### Explanation and Solution

The problem involves understanding the gravitational forces between three masses aligned on the x-axis and determining where the forces balance each other out.

#### Part (a) - Equilibrium Point

To find the point where the net gravitational force on \( M \) due to \( m \) and \( 10m \) is zero:

1. **Gravitational Force**
   - The gravitational force \( F \) between two masses \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) separated by a distance \( r \) is given by:
     \[
     F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}
     \]
     where \( G \) is the gravitational constant.

2. **Setup the Forces**
   - Let the distance from \( m \) at the origin to \( M \) be \( x \).
   - The distance from \( 10m \) at \( x = L \) to \( M \) is \( L - x \).

3. **Equating Forces**
   - The force on \( M \) due to \( m \) at the origin is:
     \[
     F_{m \to M} = G \frac{m M}{x^2}
     \]
   - The force on \( M \) due to \( 10m \) at \( x = L \) is:
     \[
     F_{10m \to M} = G \frac{10m M}{(L - x
Transcribed Image Text:### Problem Statement **4.** Two point masses \( m \) and \( 10m \) lie along the x-axis, with \( m \) at the origin and \( 10m \) at \( x = L \). A third point mass \( M \) is moved along the x-axis. **(a)** At what point is the net gravitational force on \( M \) due to the other two masses equal to zero? **(b)** Sketch the x-component of the net force on \( M \) due to \( m \) and \( 10m \), taking quantities to the right as positive. Include the regions \( x < 0 \); \( 0 < x < L \), and \( x > L \). Be especially careful to show the behavior of the graph on either side of \( x = 0 \) and \( x = L \). --- ### Explanation and Solution The problem involves understanding the gravitational forces between three masses aligned on the x-axis and determining where the forces balance each other out. #### Part (a) - Equilibrium Point To find the point where the net gravitational force on \( M \) due to \( m \) and \( 10m \) is zero: 1. **Gravitational Force** - The gravitational force \( F \) between two masses \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) separated by a distance \( r \) is given by: \[ F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} \] where \( G \) is the gravitational constant. 2. **Setup the Forces** - Let the distance from \( m \) at the origin to \( M \) be \( x \). - The distance from \( 10m \) at \( x = L \) to \( M \) is \( L - x \). 3. **Equating Forces** - The force on \( M \) due to \( m \) at the origin is: \[ F_{m \to M} = G \frac{m M}{x^2} \] - The force on \( M \) due to \( 10m \) at \( x = L \) is: \[ F_{10m \to M} = G \frac{10m M}{(L - x
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
First law of motion
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON