13.1 Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

The inverse-square attraction between two point masses, the measurement of G, and adding contributions from an extended distribution.

University Physics Volume 1, 13.1 Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

Status

FlagsLoading your progress…

5 exercises

13.1 Exercise 1

What happens to force and acceleration as the vehicles fall together? What will our estimate of the velocity at a collision higher or lower than the speed actually be? And finally, what would happen if the masses were not identical? Would the force on each be the same or different? How about their accelerations?

2.5

13.1 Exercise 2

Action at a distance, such as is the case for gravity, was once thought to be illogical and therefore untrue. What is the ultimate determinant of the truth in science, and why was this action at a distance ultimately accepted?

2.5

13.1 Exercise 4

Evaluate the magnitude of gravitational force between two 5-kg spherical steel balls separated by a center-to-center distance of 15 cm.

2.5

13.1 Exercise 6

Astrology makes much of the position of the planets at the moment of one’s birth. The only known force a planet exerts on Earth is gravitational. (a) Calculate the gravitational force exerted on a 4.20-kg baby by a 100-kg father 0.200 m away at birth (he is assisting, so he is close to the child). (b) Calculate the force on the baby due to Jupiter if it is at its closest distance to Earth, some $6.29 \times 10^{11} \text{m}$ …

2.5

13.1 Exercise 10

(a) What was the acceleration of Earth caused by asteroid Toutatis (see previous problem) at its closest approach? (b) What was the acceleration of Toutatis at this point?

2.5