How Far Apart Are Two 1kg Masses That Attract with a Force of 1kg.wt?

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the distance between two point masses with equal masses and a force of 1 kg.wt. The solution is solved using the formula F = Gm1m2/r^2 and results in a distance of r = 0.00025 cm. However, the book's answer of 8 cm may be incorrect due to a possible typo in the referenced solution. Further checking is recommended.
  • #1
Amith2006
427
2
Sir,
Two point masses each equal to 1 kg attract one another with a force of 1 kg.wt. What is the distance between the 2 point masses?
I solved it in the following way:
Here F = 1 kg.wt = 9.8 Newton, m1 = m2 = 1 kg, G = 6.6 x 10^(-11) N.m^2/kg^2
F = [G(m1)(m2)]/r^2
r^2 = [G(m1)(m2)]/F
By solving I get,
r = 0.00025 cm
But the book answer is 8 cm. Please say which one is right. Here the symbol ^ represents power.
 
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  • #2
Your answer looks OK to me. (G is closer to 6.67 x 10^(-11) N.m^2/kg^2)
 
  • #3
Your work looks correct F = Gm1m2/r^2

In order for the book to be right you must have

Gm1m2/.08^2 = F

This means 6.67e-11*1*1/0.0064 = F

Evaluating gives...

F = 6.67e-11/0.0064 = 1.0422e-8 N

This number is both ugly and way too small for 1kg.wt to be equal to 1.0422e-8 N. I would argue that there is yet another typo in your book. You may want to double check the referencing in the solutions portion of your text.
 

Related to How Far Apart Are Two 1kg Masses That Attract with a Force of 1kg.wt?

1. What is the definition of gravitational force?

Gravitational force is a natural phenomenon by which objects with mass are attracted to one another. This force is responsible for the formation of planets, stars, and galaxies in the universe.

2. How is gravitational force calculated?

The gravitational force between two objects can be calculated using the formula F = G x (m1 x m2)/d^2, where F is the force, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and d is the distance between them.

3. What is the relationship between mass and gravitational force?

The greater the mass of an object, the greater its gravitational force. This means that objects with larger masses will have a stronger pull towards each other compared to objects with smaller masses.

4. How does distance affect gravitational force?

The force of gravity decreases as the distance between two objects increases. This relationship is known as the inverse square law, which means that the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects.

5. What are some real-world applications of gravitational force?

Gravitational force is essential for many aspects of our daily lives, such as keeping us grounded to the Earth, causing tides in the ocean, and keeping planets in orbit around the sun. It is also crucial for understanding the motion and interactions of celestial bodies in the universe.

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