Question

Four masses are placed in a rectangular pattern. The coordinates and masses of the masses are: m1=(0,0) 1*10^2 kg, m2=(0,3) 2*10^2 kg, m3=(2,3) 1*10^3 kg, m4=(2,0) 1 kg. Where would a 5th mass 5*10^2 have to be placed so that the net gravitational forces on m4 is 0?

Answer 1

You should be able to solve this in one of two ways:
1. Summing the forces in the x components of the forces such that that sum is zero with respect to m4; and then doing the same for the y components of the forces.
2. Use the vector form of the Newtons' Law of Universal Gravitation.

Which method do you prefer?

Answer 2

i think number 1?

Answer 3

This is what I got. See the attached PDF

Answer 4

ummm but the correct answer is (3,9, -0.5)