Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 3.3

Problems in particle dynamics — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire

Physics — Mechanics · gravitation-continuous-distributions

Problem

A uniform rod of mass

M

and length

2a

lies along the interval

[-a, a]

of the

x

-axis and a particle of mass

m

is situated at the point

x = x'

. Find the gravitational force exerted by the rod on the particle. Two uniform rods, each of mass

M

and length

2a

, lie along the intervals

[-a, a]

and

[b-a, b+a]

of the

x

-axis, so that their centres are a distance

b

apart (

b > 2a

). Find the gravitational forces that the rods exert upon each other.