Calculating Weight on Another Planet

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the weight of a 1-kg rock on another planet where it falls 2.5 meters in 1 second. The astronaut determines that the acceleration due to gravity on this planet is -5 m/s², leading to a calculated weight of 5 N using the formula F_g = mg. The confusion arises from understanding the relationship between gravitational acceleration and weight compared to Earth and the Moon. Ultimately, the astronaut successfully applies the kinematic equation d = 1/2gt² to derive the necessary values.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with gravitational acceleration concepts
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Basic physics principles regarding weight and mass
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  • Study the effects of varying gravitational forces on different celestial bodies
  • Learn more about kinematic equations and their applications in physics
  • Explore the concept of weight in relation to mass across different planets
  • Investigate how to calculate gravitational acceleration using free fall data
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Okay I'm stuck...Here's the problem I'm dealing with:

An astronaut on another planet drops a 1-kg rock from rest and finds that it falls a vertical distance of 2.5 meters in 1 second. On this planet, the rock has a weight of:
a) 1 N b) 2 N c) 3 N d) 4 N e) 5 N

first of all which planet is "this planet?" does he want to know what it would weigh on Earth?

If the rate of free fall on Earth in 10 m/s squared, then would the force of gravity on the other planet be 1/4 of that at 2/5 m/s?

I'm not sure if I'm going in the right direction with this...how do I know what the force of gravity is on this other planet? If I know that won't I be able to relate that to 1-kg being equal to 10 N on Earth (as is 1-kg = 1.6 Newtons on the moon because of gravity being 1/6 that of Earth)?

I'm feeling totally lost...please help soon!
 
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x = x_0 + v_0 t + 1/2 a t^2
-2.5m = 1/2 a (1 s)^2, a = -5 m/s^2

F_g (aka wieght) = mg = 1kg(5 m/s^2) = 5 N
 
Aha!

Okay...I get it!

So I use d=1/2gt^2

:wink: THANK YOU!
 

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