Question

Four identical point masses each equal to M are placed at the four corners of a square of side a. Calculate the force of attraction or another point of mass M1 kept at the centre of the square

Answer 1

F(Net) = (4 x G x M x M1) / (r^2)

Since the given masses are ideal point masses and do not exhibit any electrical characters, we are free to use Newton’s Law of Gravity.

The force of attraction between the 4 bodies placed at the boundary and the lone mass placed at the centre can be given by the application of the following formula 4 times:

F = (G x M x M1) / (r^2)

Where, G is universal gravitational constant and r is the distance between the central mass and boundary mass.

Since each mass exerts the above force, the combined force felt by the central mass will be:

F(Net) = (4 x G x M x M1) / (r^2)