) Several planets possess nearly circular surrounding rings, perhaps composed of material that failed to form a satellite. In addition, many galaxies contain ringlike structures. Consider a homogeneous ring of mass M and radius R. a) What gravitational attraction does it exert on a particle of mass m located a distance x from the center of the ring along its axis? b) Suppose the particle falls from rest as a result of the attraction of the ring of matter. Find an expression for the speed with which it passes through the center of the ring. (a: see notes from class, b: Use the definition of potential energy.)

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### Gravitational Attraction in Ring Systems

Several planets possess nearly circular surrounding rings, composed of material that failed to form a satellite. In addition, many galaxies contain ring-like structures.

Consider a homogeneous ring of mass \( M \) and radius \( R \):

**Questions:**

**(a)** What gravitational attraction does it exert on a particle of mass \( m \) located a distance \( x \) from the center of the ring along its axis?

**(b)** Suppose the particle falls from rest as a result of the attraction of the ring of matter. Find an expression for the speed with which it passes through the center of the ring.

**Note:**
- **(a)** Refer to class notes for calculations.
- **(b)** Use the definition of potential energy for the derivation.

---

#### Explanation:

- **Homogeneous Ring:** A ring with uniform mass distribution.
- **Mass \( M \):** Total mass of the ring.
- **Radius \( R \):** Radius of the ring.
- **Particle with mass \( m \):** An object influenced by the ring’s gravitational field.
- **Distance \( x \) from the center:** The distance along the axis perpendicular to the plane of the ring.

These questions delve into the gravitational influence of ring structures in space, relevant in both planetary and galactic contexts. For further insights and detailed mathematical expressions, reference your class notes and apply the basic principles of gravitational potential energy.

---

_Figures and graphs associated with this topic commonly illustrate the gravitational field lines and potential energy curves around a ring structure, which can aid in visualizing how gravitational forces act along the axis of the ring._
Transcribed Image Text:### Gravitational Attraction in Ring Systems Several planets possess nearly circular surrounding rings, composed of material that failed to form a satellite. In addition, many galaxies contain ring-like structures. Consider a homogeneous ring of mass \( M \) and radius \( R \): **Questions:** **(a)** What gravitational attraction does it exert on a particle of mass \( m \) located a distance \( x \) from the center of the ring along its axis? **(b)** Suppose the particle falls from rest as a result of the attraction of the ring of matter. Find an expression for the speed with which it passes through the center of the ring. **Note:** - **(a)** Refer to class notes for calculations. - **(b)** Use the definition of potential energy for the derivation. --- #### Explanation: - **Homogeneous Ring:** A ring with uniform mass distribution. - **Mass \( M \):** Total mass of the ring. - **Radius \( R \):** Radius of the ring. - **Particle with mass \( m \):** An object influenced by the ring’s gravitational field. - **Distance \( x \) from the center:** The distance along the axis perpendicular to the plane of the ring. These questions delve into the gravitational influence of ring structures in space, relevant in both planetary and galactic contexts. For further insights and detailed mathematical expressions, reference your class notes and apply the basic principles of gravitational potential energy. --- _Figures and graphs associated with this topic commonly illustrate the gravitational field lines and potential energy curves around a ring structure, which can aid in visualizing how gravitational forces act along the axis of the ring._
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