- #1
toothpaste666
- 516
- 20
Homework Statement
Two identical point masses, each of mass M, always remain separated by a distance of 2R. A third mass m, is then placed a distance x along the perpendicular bisector of the original two masses. (Picture attached.) Show that the gravitational force on the third mass is directed inward along the perpendicular bisector and has a magnititude of :
[itex] F = \frac{2GMmx}{(x^2+R^2)^\frac{3}{2}} [/itex]
Homework Equations
[itex] F=G\frac{m1m2}{r^2}[/itex]
The Attempt at a Solution
First I figured out the magnitude of the force of gravitation between one of the two mass Ms and the third mass m. To find the distance between them I used the Pythagorean theorem where:
[itex] r^2 = x^2 + R^2[/itex]
plugging this and the two masses into the gravitation formula:
[itex] F = G\frac{Mm}{x^2+R^2} [/itex]
That is the magnitude of the force of gravitation between each M and m. To find the magnitude and direction of the total force I should find the vector sum of these two forces? This is where I end up lost. The Pythagorean theorem won't work here. Can anyone help point me in the right direction? I know that after i find the magnitude of the resultant force I can use arctan to find the direction.