In deep space, sphere A of mass MA is located at the origin of an x axis and sphere B of mass MB is located on the axis at a point x1. Sphere B is released from rest while sphere A is held at the origin. (a) What is the gravitational potential energy of the two-sphere system just as B is released

The gravitational potential energy of the two-sphere system just as B is released is

U = -[(G)(MA)(MB)/x₁]

where G = Gravitational constant

G = (6.7 × 10⁻¹¹) Nm²/kg²

Explanation:

The gravitational potential energy of two masses (m and M), separated by a distance, d, is given as

U = -(GMm/d)

For our question,

Mass of object 1 = MA

Mass of object 2 = MB

Distance between them = x₁

U = -[(G)(MA)(MB)/x₁]

where G = Gravitational constant

G = (6.7 × 10⁻¹¹) Nm²/kg²

Hope this Helps!!!

see the picture for the vector

the magnitude of the vector by pythagorean theorem

r = √( (-10)^2 + (3)^2 ) = √109

magnitude = √109 units

the direction angle between vector and x-axis is

tan^(-1)(3/10) = 16.699

so the direction is approximately 16.7 degrees north of west

answer: 31, 5556. 952 seconds