Calculating Gravity Acceleration on Planet Zog

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SUMMARY

On planet Zog, Mr. Spock measures a fall time of 1.41 seconds for a 0.3 kg mass dropped from a height of 3.09 meters. To calculate the acceleration due to gravity, the kinematic equation d = vit + ½at2 is utilized, where d is the distance fallen, vi is the initial velocity (0 m/s), and t is the time (1.41 s). The mass of the object is irrelevant to the calculation, as all objects accelerate at the same rate regardless of mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics
  • Familiarity with the equation d = vit + ½at2
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration concepts
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the kinematic equations
  • Learn about gravitational acceleration on different celestial bodies
  • Explore the impact of mass on acceleration in free fall
  • Study the differences between classical mechanics and relativistic physics
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Students in physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in gravitational calculations on celestial bodies.

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On planet Zog, Mr Spock measures that it takes 1.41 s for a mass of 0.3 kg to hit the ground when released from rest from a height of 3.09m. Calculate the size of acceleration of gravity on that planet.
I know that a= GM/r^2, but I don't know the radius. Any suggestions on where to begin?
 
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Any suggestions on where to begin?

Assuming that the height from which the mass is dropped is negligable compared to the radius, this is a trick question.
 
I don't believe you need to use the equation you gave. Use a simple kinematic equation.

[tex]d = v_{i}t + \frac{1}{2}at^2[/tex]

You know d, vi, and t. Solve for a.

EDIT: Maybe this won't work, but it seems right to me. The mass shouldn't matter, as everything accelerates at he same rate, regardless of mass.
 

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