A metal wire of uniform mass density having length L and mass M is bent to form a semicircular arc and a particle of mass m is placed at the centre of the arc. The gravitational force on the particle by the wire is :
- GmM 2L2
- GMm 2L2
- 0
- 2GmM L2
Answer
(4) 2GmM L2
Solution
[figure]
R=L R= L , mass per unit length = ML
Element dm= R d : dF= Gm R d R2
horizontal components of symmetric elements cancel, only dF adds:
F= Gm R 0 d = 2Gm R
= 2Gm(M/L)L/ = 2 GmML2
Answer: (4)