Three point masses

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

Three point masses, each of mass

m

, are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side

a

. What is the magnitude of the net gravitational force acting on any one mass due to the other two? (a)

\dfrac{2G m^{2}}{a^{2}}

(b)

\dfrac{G m^{2}}{a^{2}}

(c)

\dfrac{\sqrt{3}\,G m^{2}}{a^{2}}

(d)

\dfrac{\sqrt{2}\,G m^{2}}{a^{2}}