Gravity on mass on earth's surface vs sun-earth gravity

In summary, the conversation is about calculating the ratio of gravitational forces from the sun and the moon on a 5.000 kg mass on Earth's surface during a solar eclipse. The person is confused about the calculations and needs help understanding the concepts.
  • #1
ninjagowoowoo
75
0
Q:
A mass of 5.000 kg is sitting on the Earth's surface directly under the sun during a solar eclipse. The sun exerts a gravitational force with magnitude Fs on the mass. The moon's gravitational force on the mass has magnitude Fm. Calculate the ratio Fs / Fm.

This problem is really frustrating me. For the object, wouldn't Fm be mg = 5*9.8?

Then wouldn't the Fs be (mass of the sun)(mass of earth)/R^2 ?

So wouldn't it be the Fs divided by Fm? Please help??!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You are being asked to calculate the ratio of the forces of attraction to the sun and to the moon for a mass that is at the surface of the earth. You are not asked for the force of attraction to the earth.
 
  • #3
HAH wow I'm embarassed... thanks :blushing:
 

What is gravity?

Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards each other. It is the force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun and objects on the Earth's surface from floating away into space.

How does gravity on Earth's surface compare to gravity between the Earth and the sun?

Gravity on Earth's surface is much weaker than the force between the Earth and the sun. The gravitational force between the Earth and the sun is approximately 28 times stronger than the force between two objects on Earth's surface.

Why do we feel heavier on Earth's surface than in space?

We feel heavier on Earth's surface due to the Earth's gravitational pull. The Earth's mass creates a gravitational field that pulls objects towards its center. In space, there is no significant gravitational force acting on our bodies, so we feel weightless.

Does the mass of an object affect its gravitational pull?

Yes, the mass of an object does affect its gravitational pull. The greater the mass of an object, the stronger its gravitational pull will be. This is why the sun, which has a much larger mass than the Earth, has a stronger gravitational pull on the Earth.

Why do astronauts float in space?

Astronauts float in space because there is no significant gravitational force acting on their bodies. In the microgravity environment of space, the astronauts and their spacecraft are in a state of free fall, causing them to appear weightless.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
824
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
670
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
926
Back
Top