The force F of attraction between two bodies varies jointly as the weights of the two bodies and inversely as the square of the distance between them. Express this fact as a variation using c as a constant. Use M1 and M2 for the weights of the two bodies.

c= _____??

Question

The force F of attraction between two bodies varies jointly as the weights of the two bodies and inversely as the square of the distance between them. Express this fact as a variation using c as a constant. Use M1 and M2 for the weights of the two bodies.

c= _____??

queelius · Answer

$$F=cM_1M_2/d^2$$

Solving for c, we get:
$$c=d^2F/(M_1M_2)$$

anonymous · Answer

Thank you!

queelius · Answer

Note that this looks like the equation for Newton's law of universal gravitation. In which case, the "weights" M1 and M2 are actually masses. (Weight is itself a force.)