Four masses of 2kg each are at the vertices of a square with side 4m. What is the net force on one mass? (G\=6.67×10−11N
Force from adjacent: F1 = Gm2r2 = 6.67×10−112×242 = 1.67×10−11N (2 forces at 90°). Force from diagonal: F2 = Gm2(42)2 = 6.67×10−11432 = 8.34×10−12N. Resultant of two F1: FR = 2×1.67×10−11≈2.36×10−11N. Net force: F = (2.36×10−11)2+(8.34×10−12)2≈2.50×10−11N.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Physics, Thermal Properties and Gravitation.