A mass M is split into two parts, m and M - m, which are then separated by a certain distance. What ratio mlM maximizes the magnitude of the gravitational force between the parts?
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Textbook Solutions for Fundamentals of Physics:
Question
Assume a planet is a uniform sphere of radius R that (somehow) has a narrow radial tunnel through its center (Fig. 13-7). Also assume we can position an apple anywhere along the tunnel or outside the sphere. Let FR be the magnitude of the gravitational force on the apple when it is located at the planet's surface. How far from the surface is there a point where the magnitude is iFR if we move the apple (a) away from theplanet and (b) into the tunnel?
Solution
The first step in solving 13 problem number 28 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Assume a planet is a uniform sphere of radius R that (somehow) has a narrow radial tunnel through its center (Fig. 13-7). Also assume we can position an apple anywhere along the tunnel or outside the sphere. Let FR be the magnitude of the gravitational force on the apple when it is located at the planet's surface. How far from the surface is there a point where the magnitude is iFR if we move the apple (a) away from theplanet and (b) into the tunnel?
From the textbook chapter Gravitation you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.
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