Question

1. A small mass (m = 0.25 kg) is released from rest within and near the left side of a large spherical shell of material. Which direction will the small mass accelerate?

left

toward the center

right

It will not move

2. The same small mass from question #1 is now released from rest 1000 m from the center of a shell of material. The shell has a radius of 500 m and a mass of 10000 kg. A second shell, whose center is 2500 m from the center of the first shell, has a radius is 500 m and a mass of 5000 kg. The centers of the small mass and both shells are along a straight line with the small mass in between the shells. Toward which shell will the small mass begin to move?

Toward shell 2

Toward shell 1

The mass is equilibrium. It will not move.

Not enough information given

3. Now the small mass from question #2 finds itself inside a solid sphere (m = 1000000 kg and R = 2000 m). If the small mass is halfway between the center of the sphere and the surface, determine its weight.

Answer 1