Gravity force on Jupiter problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass and weight of a watermelon on Jupiter's moon Io, given its weight on Earth and the acceleration due to gravity on both celestial bodies. The problem involves understanding the relationship between mass and weight in different gravitational fields.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of mass using the formula F = m * a, questioning how to convert the known weight on Earth to find the corresponding values on Io. There is also a discussion about the constancy of mass across different locations and the variability of weight due to differing gravitational accelerations.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in clarifying the concepts of mass and weight, with some providing guidance on the relationship between the two. There is acknowledgment of previous calculations, but confusion remains regarding the correct mass on Io, indicating an ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster has provided specific values for gravitational acceleration on Earth and Io, and there is a mention of a misunderstanding regarding the constancy of mass versus the variability of weight.

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At the surface of Jupiter's moon Io, the acceleration due to gravity is 1.81m/s^2 . A watermelon has a weight of 49.0N at the surface of the earth. In this problem, use 9.81m/s^2 for the acceleration due to gravity on earth


1.) What is its mass on the surface of Io?

2.) What is its weight on the surface of Io?

working on #1, F=m*a

F = m * 1.81

all we really know is (a) of Io. but we do know the force(49.0N) of earth, how would i convert that to the forces of Io?
 
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Your mass, my mass, mass of object x, etc. is going to be the same whether you're on the Earth, the moon, Io, etc. It is the weight that changes depending on your location's acceleration due to gravity.

As it stands you have enough info to solve for the mass of the watermelon on Earth...
 
underthebridge said:
Your mass, my mass, mass of object x, etc. is going to be the same whether you're on the Earth, the moon, Io, etc. It is the weight that changes depending on your location's acceleration due to gravity.

As it stands you have enough info to solve for the mass of the watermelon on Earth...

yes, but I am not trying to solve for the mass of the watermelon on earth, that was another question, but i already got the answer. it's 4.99 kg

im trying to solve for the mass on the surface of Io. here's what i done:

F= m*a
49 = m*1.81
m = 27.07kg
that's the mass of Io that i got, but it's the wrong answer.
 
And what I'm telling you is the mass of the watermelon doesn't change because it is now on Io. The weight changes because the acceleration due to gravity changes, the mass remains the same.

Your mass, my mass, mass of object x, etc. is going to be the same whether you're on the Earth, the moon, Io, etc. It is the weight that changes depending on your location's acceleration due to gravity.
 
underthebridge said:
And what I'm telling you is the mass of the watermelon doesn't change because it is now on Io. The weight changes because the acceleration due to gravity changes, the mass remains the same.

oops, my bad, i thought you said that the weight doesn't change. i misread your post
 
No problem, it happens :)
 

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