A mass M is split into two parts, m and M % m, which are then separated by a certain distance. What ratio m/M maximizes the magnitude of the gravitational force between the parts?
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Question
We watch two identical astronomical bodies A and B, each of mass m, fall toward each other from rest because of the gravitational force on each from the other. Their initial center-to-center separation is Ri . Assume that we are in an inertial reference frame that is stationary with respect to the center of mass of this twobody system. Use the principle of conservation of mechanical energy (Kf # Uf ! Ki # Ui ) to find the following when the centerto-center separation is 0.5Ri: (a) the total kinetic energy of the system, (b) the kinetic energy of each body, (c) the speed of each body relative to us, and (d) the speed of body B relative to body A. Next assume that we are in a reference frame attached to body A (we ride on the body). Now we see body B fall from rest toward us. From this reference frame, again use Kf # Uf ! Ki # Ui to find the following when the center-to-center separation is 0.5Ri: (e) the kinetic energy of body B and (f) the speed of body B relative to body A. (g) Why are the answers to (d) and (f) different? Which answer is correct?
Solution
The first step in solving 13 problem number 91 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: We watch two identical astronomical bodies A and B, each of mass m, fall toward each other from rest because of the gravitational force on each from the other. Their initial center-to-center separation is Ri . Assume that we are in an inertial reference frame that is stationary with respect to the center of mass of this twobody system. Use the principle of conservation of mechanical energy (Kf # Uf ! Ki # Ui ) to find the following when the centerto-center separation is 0.5Ri: (a) the total kinetic energy of the system, (b) the kinetic energy of each body, (c) the speed of each body relative to us, and (d) the speed of body B relative to body A. Next assume that we are in a reference frame attached to body A (we ride on the body). Now we see body B fall from rest toward us. From this reference frame, again use Kf # Uf ! Ki # Ui to find the following when the center-to-center separation is 0.5Ri: (e) the kinetic energy of body B and (f) the speed of body B relative to body A. (g) Why are the answers to (d) and (f) different? Which answer is correct?
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