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Question
Can two particles be in equilibrium under the action of their mutual gravitational force? Can three particles be? Can one of the three particles be?
Solution
A particle will be in equilibrium when the net force acting on it is equal to zero. Two particles under the action of their mutual gravitational force will be in equilibrium when they revolve around a common point under the influence of their mutual gravitational force of attraction. In this case, the gravitational pull is used up in providing the necessary centripetal force. Hence, the net force on the particles is zero and they are in equilibrium. This is also true for a three particle system.
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