Show that if the earth attracts two bodies $A$ and $B$ placed at the same distance from the centre of the earth with the same force,then their masses are equal.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Let $m_{1}$ and $m_{2}$ be the masses of the two bodies and $M$ be the mass of the earth.
Let the distance of the two bodies from the centre of the earth be $r$.
According to Newton's law of universal gravitation,the force $F$ exerted by the earth on a body of mass $m$ at a distance $r$ is given by $F = \frac{GMm}{r^{2}}$,where $G$ is the universal gravitational constant.
For body $A$,the force is $F_{1} = \frac{GMm_{1}}{r^{2}}$.
For body $B$,the force is $F_{2} = \frac{GMm_{2}}{r^{2}}$.
Given that the forces are equal,$F_{1} = F_{2}$.
Therefore,$\frac{GMm_{1}}{r^{2}} = \frac{GMm_{2}}{r^{2}}$.
By cancelling the common terms $\frac{GM}{r^{2}}$ from both sides,we get $m_{1} = m_{2}$.
Thus,the masses of the two bodies are equal.

Explore More

Similar Questions

What will happen if the force of gravity disappears suddenly?

$(i)$ Why is Newton's law of gravitation called the universal law?
$(ii)$ What is the significance of this law in nature?

According to Newton's law of gravitation,every particle of matter attracts every other particle. But bodies on the surface of the Earth never move towards each other on account of this force of attraction. Why?

State any two properties of gravitational force.

Newton's law of gravitation is called a universal law. Why?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo