Two bodies of masses m and 9m are separated by distance R. What is the gravitational potential at the point between them where the net gravitational field is zero?
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Two bodies of masses m and 9m are separated by distance R. What is the gravitational potential at the point between them where the net gravitational field is zero?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Let the field-zero point lie x from mass m. Equate Gm/x²=9Gm/(R−x)², giving R−x=3x and x=R/4. Step 2: Potential is scalar: V=−Gm/(R/4)−9Gm/(3R/4)=−4Gm/R−12Gm/R=−16Gm/R. Final answer: A — −16Gm/R.