Answer :
ANSWER
6.15 · 10⁸ kg
EXPLANATION
Given:
• The force of attraction between the two tankers, F = 3.5x10³N
,• The distance between their centers of mass, r = 85m
,• The two tankers have equal masses, m₁ = m₂ = m
Known:
• The gravitational constant, G = 6.67 x 10⁻¹¹ Nm²/kg²
Unknown
• The mass of each tanker, m
By Newton's law of universal gravitation, we have that the force of attraction between two objects of masses, m₁, and m₂, separated by a distance r is,
[tex]F=G\cdot\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}[/tex]In this case, both masses are equal,
[tex]F=G\cdot\frac{m^2}{r^2}[/tex]Solving for m,
[tex]m=r\sqrt[]{\frac{F}{G}}[/tex]Replace with the values,
[tex]m=85m\cdot\sqrt[]{\frac{3.5\times10^3N}{6.67\times10^{-11}Nm^2/\operatorname{kg}}}\approx6.15\times10^8\operatorname{kg}[/tex]