Question

Two particles, one heavy and the other light, placed at $50\text{ cm}$ from each other, are under the influence of gravitational force of one another. If mass of the heavier particle is $4\text{ kg}$ and its acceleration under the influence of gravitational force is $5\times10^{-10}\text{ m s}^{-2}$, find the mass of the lighter particle.

• A. $7.843\text{ kg}$
• B. $1.8728\text{ kg}$
• C. $3.675\text{ kg}$
• D. $0.364\text{ kg}$

Hint:

The acceleration of any body due to gravitational attraction depends strictly on the mass of the other body pulling it, not its own mass! This is why the $4\text{ kg}$ value can be completely ignored, allowing you to solve directly for $m_2$ using $a = \frac{G m_2}{r^2}$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B