Net gravitational field due to two masses on the -axis

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences

Problem

Net gravitational field due to two masses on the

x

-axis (i) Two point masses are fixed on the

x

-axis:

4\,\text{kg}

at the origin and

9\,\text{kg}

x = 0.60\,\text{m}

. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the gravitational field intensity at the point

x = 0.20\,\text{m}

. (ii) Determine the magnitude and direction of the gravitational field intensity at the point

x = 1.20\,\text{m}

on the same axis. (iii) A test mass of

0.50\,\text{kg}

is placed successively at

x = 0.20\,\text{m}

and

x = 1.20\,\text{m}

. Compute the gravitational force experienced by it at each position and compare the two results briefly.