Calculate the acceleration due to gravity

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SUMMARY

The acceleration due to gravity (g) at an altitude of 200 kilometers above the Earth's surface can be calculated using the formula F = GMm/R², where G is the gravitational constant, M is the Earth's mass (6x10²⁴ kg), and R is the distance from the center of the Earth (6.38x10⁶ m + 200,000 m). This results in a value that is a percentage of the standard gravitational acceleration of 9.8 m/s². The derived expression for acceleration (a) can be simplified using F = ma, demonstrating that gravitational force acts equally on all masses in a vacuum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration concepts
  • Basic physics principles regarding force and mass
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the gravitational constant (G) and its applications in physics
  • Learn how to derive gravitational force equations for different altitudes
  • Explore the concept of gravitational acceleration in varying environments
  • Investigate the effects of air resistance on falling objects
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the effects of altitude on gravitational acceleration.

Linco
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Many people mistakenly believe that austronauts that orbit the Earth are "above gravity." Calculate the acceleration due to gravity (g) for space shuttle territory, 200 kilometeres above the Earth's surface. Earth's mass is 6x1024 kilograms and its radius is 6.38 x 106 meters (6380 kilometers). Your answer is what percentage of 9.8m/s2?

Can anyone point me in the right direct to figure this out? I am not really sure what formula to use.
 
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Which equation describes the force of gravity between any two point objects separated by some distance? The equation can also be used when the objects are both spherical, or when one of the two is very large and spherical.
 
Your physics textbook probably gives the formula for acceleration. If not, it surely gives these two formulas:

[tex]F=\frac {GMm}{R^2}[/tex]

and

[tex]F=ma[/tex]

Use Algegra to combine these formulas to write an expression for [tex]a[/tex].
Hint: If you do it right, your little m's will cancel (illustrating that objects of different mass fall at the same rate ignoring air resistance).
 

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