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PRACTICE · MEMBERSIntermediate · Single correct

PRACTICE / Gravitational superposition

Cancel only the opposing components

Two equal point masses are fixed at coordinates (−2, 0) m and (+2, 0) m. For each source, GM = 8 m³/s². A test particle is at (0, 2) m.

Find the magnitude of the net gravitational field there.

Organize the givens & assumptions
  • Source positions: (−2,0), (+2,0) m
  • Test point: (0,2) m
  • GM = 8 m³/s² for each source

Newtonian point sources held fixed; the test particle does not influence the sources.

  1. A1 m/s21\ \mathrm{m/s^2}
  2. B0 m/s20\ \mathrm{m/s^2}
  3. C2 m/s2\sqrt2\ \mathrm{m/s^2}
  4. D2 m/s22\ \mathrm{m/s^2}

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