Two identical 10.0-kg point masses are held a distance of 20.0 cm apart.If one of the masses is released and allowed to fall toward the other mass,what is the acceleration of the mass just as it is released? Assume that the only force acting on the masses is the gravitational force of the other mass.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force between two masses is given by Newton's law of universal gravitation: $F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$, where $G = 6.674 \times 10^{-11} \, \text{Nm}^2/\text{kg}^2$, $m_1 = m_2 = 10.0 \, \text{kg}$, and $r = 0.20 \, \text{m}$. The acceleration of one mass due to this force is found by dividing the force by the mass of the object being accelerated, $a = \frac{F}{m}$. Substituting the given values and solving gives an acceleration of approximately $1.67 \times 10^{-8} \, \text{m/s}^2$.

Two Identical 10