Two point masses of and are placed apart on a straight line

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences

Problem

Two point masses of

2\,\text{kg}

and

8\,\text{kg}

are placed

6\,\text{m}

apart on a straight line. A

1\,\text{kg}

mass is positioned on the line at a point

2\,\text{m}

from the

2\,\text{kg}

mass. What is the magnitude of the net gravitational force on the

1\,\text{kg}

mass?

(G = 6.67\times10^{-11}\,\text{N\,m}^2\!/\text{kg}^2)

(a)

3.3\times10^{-11}\,\text{N}

toward the

2\,\text{kg}

mass (b)

6.7\times10^{-11}\,\text{N}

toward the

8\,\text{kg}

mass (c)

0\,\text{N}

(d)

3.3\times10^{-11}\,\text{N}

toward the

8\,\text{kg}

mass