Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 5-1

Calculus of Variations — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · equipotential-surfaces-lines-of-force

Problem

Sketch the equipotential surfaces and the lines of force for two point masses separated by a certain distance. Next, consider one of the masses to have a fictitious negative mass −M-M. Sketch the equipotential surfaces and lines of force for this case. To what kind of physical situation does this set of equipotentials and field lines apply? (Note that the lines of force have direction; indicate this with appropriate arrows.)

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