Four point masses are fixed at the corners of a square of side length that lies in…

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

Four point masses are fixed at the corners of a square of side length

0.60\,\text{m}

that lies in the

xy

-plane. Beginning at the lower-left corner and proceeding counter-clockwise, the corner masses are

2.0\,\text{kg}

2.0\,\text{kg}

8.0\,\text{kg}

, and

2.0\,\text{kg}

, respectively. A

0.50\,\text{kg}

particle is placed at the exact center of the square. Ignore all forces except the gravitational interactions among these five masses. (a) Choose a convenient coordinate system and determine the

x

- and

y

-components of the gravitational force exerted on the central particle by each corner mass. (b) Compute the magnitude and direction of the net gravitational force acting on the central particle. (c) Determine the instantaneous acceleration of the central particle at that location. (d) Suppose the

8.0\,\text{kg}

mass is instantaneously removed while the other three corner masses remain. Qualitatively describe how the direction of the net gravitational force on the central particle would change, if at all.

Related theory

Browse the problem library