Gravitational force between two point masses m and M separated by a distance r is F. Now if a point mass 3m is placed next to m, what will be the (a) Force on M dur to m (b) total force on M ?

Gravitational force between two point masses m and M separated by a di

1.	Gravitational force between two point masses m and M separated by a distance r is F. Now if a point mass 3m is placed next to m, what will be the (a) Force on M dur to m (b) total force on M ?
Answer» Solution :The Gravitational FORCE on m due to M `F = (GMm)/r^2` a)Since the gravitational force between two point MASSES is independent of the presence of other masses , So if a point mass 3m is placed next to m, the force doesn.t CHANGE .`"" :. F = (GMm)/r^2` b) Total force on body of mass M is `F_(1)=(Gm(3m+m))/r^2 = (4GMm)/r^2=4F`