Question

Two objects, one with a mass of m and one with a mass of 4m are attracted to each other by a gravitational force. If the force on 4m is F, what is the force on mass m in terms of F?

Answer 1

By 2nd Newton's Law.

F =m*g

For 1st body

Let it's force be x

thus,

x = m*g --------- eqn 1

For mass 2,

F = 4m*g

g = F/4m -------- eqn 2

For the first body's force interms of second body substitute eqn 2 into 1

x = m*(F/4m)

x = m*F

4m

x = F/4

Therefore, the force on mass m interms of F is

F/4.