Two spheres are placed so that their centers are 2.6 m apart. The force between the two spheres is #2.75 * 10^-12# N. What is the mass of each sphere if one sphere is twice the mass of the other sphere?

1 Answer
Dec 21, 2017

#m= sqrt(2.75xx10^-12 * 2.6^2/(2G)#

Explanation:

Two bodies of mass #m_1# and #m_2# are attracted to one another according to the law of a gravitational force:
(1) #” “F = G (m_1m_2)/r^2 #
We also know #F=2.75xx10^-12#
Thus, #F=2.75xx10^-12 = G (m_1m_2)/r^2#
substitute what is given:
#m_1 = m; m=2m; r = 2.6 m#
#2.75xx10^-12 = G (2m^2)/(2.6)^2#
#m= sqrt(2.75xx10^-12 * 2.6^2/(2G)#