Gravitational Spheres Equilibrium
Simulation of gravitational forces and potential between two massive spheres with analysis of equilibrium conditions
50 kg
500 kg
0.5 m
2.0 m
Physics Measurements
Net Force at Midpoint:
0 N
Gravitational Potential:
-2.7 × 10⁻⁸ J/kg
Equilibrium Type:
Unstable
Individual Force Magnitude:
2.67 × 10⁻⁷ N
Physics Explanation
At the midpoint between two equal masses:
Fnet = F1 + F2 = 0 (equal and opposite forces)
The gravitational potential V at the midpoint is the sum of potentials from both spheres:
V = -GM/r₁ - GM/r₂ = -2GM/(d/2) = -4GM/d
This configuration represents an unstable equilibrium because any displacement from the midpoint results in a net force toward one of the spheres.
