Field along the line joining two equal masses

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Gravitation · Gravitation

Problem

Field along the line joining two equal masses (i) Two equal point masses

M

are kept on a straight line at positions

x = -a

and

x = +a

from the origin. Derive an expression for the gravitational field intensity

g(x)

at an arbitrary point

P

on the same line, located at coordinate

x

. (ii) Hence, obtain the position(s) (if any) on the line where the net gravitational field vanishes. Express your answer in terms of

a

. (iii) Evaluate numerically the position of zero field when

M = 5\,\text{kg}

and

a = 0.30\,\text{m}