University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 13 - Gravitation - Problems - Exercises - Page 425: 13.10

Answer

The force disappears at $x = \frac{L}{1+\sqrt{2}}$. The plot of the force is shown in the figure.

Work Step by Step

Let the body of mass $M$ be at the position $x$. The mass $m$ is at $x=0$ and the mass $2m$ is at $x=L$. The force on the mass $M$ can be written as follows for the three regions $x\le0$, $0< x\le L$, and $x> L$. \[ F = \begin{cases} \frac{GMm}{x^2}+\frac{2GMm}{(L-x)^2} & x\leq 0 \\ -\frac{GMm}{x^2}+\frac{2GMm}{(L-x)^2} & 0\leq x\leq L \\ -\frac{GMm}{x^2}-\frac{2GMm}{(x-L)^2} & x>L \end{cases} \] The net gravitational force is 0 only in the region $0\le x$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.