Balls exerting gravitational force on eachother

[Axl Rose]

Homework Statement

Two balls, each with a mass of 0.790 kg, exert a gravitational force of 8.39 x 10^-11 N on each other. How far apart are the balls? The value of the universal gravitational constant is 6.673 x 10^-11 N m^2/kg^2. Answer in units of m.

Homework Equations

F = (G * m1 * m2) / r²

The Attempt at a Solution

8.39 * 10^-11 = (6.673 * 10^-11 * 0.79 * 0.79) / r²
r² = 2.0145899
r = 1.42m

The physics program that I am using says 1.42 m is incorrect. I have checked my work, but I still get 1.42 m. Help?

edit: Sorry, I messed up the topic title :(

 

[hage567]

r² = 2.0145899

This isn't quite right. You haven't isolated r² properly. What you have here is really 1/r². You need to flip it so you are solving for r².

 

[thomate1]

I would first double check my calculations and make sure that I am using the correct equations and values. If I am still getting the same answer, I would consider the possibility of rounding errors or significant figures. It is important to use the appropriate number of significant figures in calculations to ensure accuracy.

I would also consider the possibility of a mistake in the physics program or a discrepancy in the values used. In this case, I would consult other sources or experts in the field to confirm the correct answer.

In addition, I would also consider the context of the problem and whether the answer makes sense. For example, the distance between the two balls should be larger than the size of the balls themselves, so if the answer is significantly smaller than that, it may indicate an error in the calculation or values used.

Overall, as a scientist, it is important to carefully analyze the problem and approach it with a critical and logical mindset to ensure accuracy and reliability in the results.