Objects with masses of 165 kg and a 465 kg are separated by 0.340 m. (a) Find the net gravitational force exerted by these objects on a 60.0 kg object placed midway between them. magnitude N direction ---Select--- (b) At what position (other than infinitely remote ones) can the 60.0 kg object be placed so as to experience a net force of zero

(a) = 4.19 x N, and its direction is towards .

(b) It must be placed inside a hollow shell.

Explanation:

Let, = 165 kg, = 465 kg, = 60 kg, and the distance between and is 0.340 m.

(a) Since is placed midway between and , then its distance to both masses is 0.170 m.

From the Newton's law of universal gravitation,

F =

Where all variables have their usual meaning.

Then,

a. = -

=

     = 2.25 x N

=

     = 6.44 x N

∴ =  = 6.44 x - 2.25 x

              = 4.19 x N

The net force exerted by the two masses on the 60 kg object is 4.19 x  N.

(ii) // = // - //

              = 6.44 x - 2.25 x

              = 4.19 x N

(iii) The direction of the net force is to the right i.e towards .

(b) For the net force experienced by the 60 kg object to be zero, it must be placed inside a hollow shell.