Two bodies of mass 100 kg and 200 kg are 2 m apart. Find the gravitational force of attraction — Physics problems | PhysLabo
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Gravitational force between two bodies

Easy 10 grade Mechanics / Gravity

Two bodies of mass $m_1 = 100$ kg and $m_2 = 200$ kg are at a distance $r = 2$ m from each other. Find the gravitational force of attraction between them. The gravitational constant is $G = 6.67 \cdot 10^{-11}$ N·m²/kg².

Given
  • $m_1 = 100$ kg
  • $m_2 = 200$ kg
  • $r = 2$ m
  • $F = ?$
Visual demonstration
Hints
Hint 1 / 2
The law of universal gravitation: $F = Gm_1m_2/r^2$.
Hint 2 / 2
All quantities must be in SI units: distance in metres, $G = 6.67 \cdot 10^{-11}$ N·m²/kg².
Solution

The law of universal gravitation:

$$F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} = 6.67 \cdot 10^{-11} \cdot \frac{100 \cdot 200}{2^2} = 6.67 \cdot 10^{-11} \cdot \frac{20000}{4}$$

$$F = 6.67 \cdot 10^{-11} \cdot 5000 \approx 3.34 \cdot 10^{-7} \text{ N}$$

Answer

$F \approx 3.34 \cdot 10^{-7}$ N