Question

1) A first point object (M1) is positioned at (x,y) = (0,0). Second and third identical point objects (M2) are positioned at (-3R,0) and (3R,0), respectively. Determine expressions {G, M1, M2, R} for the following:

1.1) the magnitude of the gravitational force applied by the 2nd and 3rd objects onto the 1st object;

1.2) the potential energy of the system

1.3) the work required to separate the three objects so as to make them infinitely far from each other.

Answer 1