Question

Three uniform spheres are located at the corners of an equilateral triangle. Each side of the triangle has a length of 2.50 m. Two of the spheres have a mass of 4.40 kg each. The third sphere (mass unknown) is released from rest. Considering only the gravitational forces that the spheres exert on each other, what is the magnitude of the initial acceleration of the third sphere?

Answer 1

Fg for each = Gm1m2/r^2 =
6.67e-11*m1*4.4/2.5^2
But we only need the component toward the other sphere which is Fgcos30.
And since F = ma
we get m1a = 2*6.67e-11*m1*4.4*cos30/2.5^2
And m1 drops out.

Answer 2

i don't see where is the angle 30degree comes