The force of gravity between two objects is given by Fg = - Gm1m2/r2, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, and r is the distance between the objects' centers. Find the vertical asymptote of the graph of the function and explain its meaning in context.

Question

Caitlin Warner

Mathematics

22 February, 13:35

The force of gravity between two objects is given by Fg = - Gm1m2/r2, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, and r is the distance between the objects' centers. Find the vertical asymptote of the graph of the function and explain its meaning in context.

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Brighton · Answer 1

For two objects with a finite constant mass, Fg is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. As r gets smaller the gravitational force increases. When the two objects are touching Fg is highest. But the mass of an object is focussed at its centre, the centre of mass. When the objects are touching their centres of mass are still separated. The graph has a vertical asymptote at r=0, implying an infinite gravitational force.