Re: [Phys-l] Fun orbital problem

[Jack Uretsky <jlu@hep.anl.gov>]

Hi John-
	The problem is incompletely stated.  "Three particles interact 
only gravitationally' does not exclude the presence of a fourth, or fifth,
or zillionth particle.
				Regards,
					Jack



On Wed, 2 Jan 2008, John Mallinckrodt wrote:

> Apropos of nothing in particular, here's a fun problem whose solution
> may raise more questions in your mind:
>
> Three particles interact only gravitationally, follow circular
> orbits, and remain at all times collinear.  The radii of two of the
> orbits is unity.  What is the radius of the third?
>
> John Mallinckrodt
> Cal Poly Pomona
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