How Does Gravitational Force Vary Between Two Planets with Identical Radii?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the gravitational force experienced by a robot on two different planets with identical radii. The original poster is trying to determine the difference in mass between the two planets based on the weight difference experienced by the robot.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the gravitational forces on both planets by setting up an equation involving the weight of the robot. Some participants question how to define the weights of the planets and whether to calculate them separately before finding the difference.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the definitions of weight for each planet. There is an acknowledgment of the weight difference, but no consensus has been reached on how to proceed with the calculations.

Contextual Notes

The problem is constrained by the information provided, specifically the known weight of the robot and the weight difference between the two planets, while the masses of the planets themselves are not given directly.

pinky2468
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Another question! Gravitaional Force ?

I know this is easy, but for some reason I am getting stuck!
The mass of a robot is 5450kg. This robot weighs 3620N more on Planet A than on Planet B. Both planets have a radius of 1.33^7. What is the difference Ma-Mb in the masses of these planets.
I think that I need to set the gravitaional force on A(minus 3620) equal to gravitaional force on B. I know the G and the r's are the same. I am confused on how to put it into the formula and figure out what I am looking for?
 
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Hint:
Let the weight of planet A be given by [tex]W_{A}[/tex], while the mass of planet A by [tex]m_{A}[/tex] (similarly for planet B; mass of robot:[tex]m_{R}[/tex]
We then have, for example:
[tex]W_{B}=\frac{Gm_{B}m_{R}}{r^{2}}[/tex]
which you may rewrite as:
[tex]m_{B}=\frac{r^{2}}{Gm_{R}}W_{B}[/tex]
 
I see where you are going, but what are you using for W of planet A or B. We only know the weight and mass of the robot. Are you saying to do each planet separately and then subtract the answers?
 
You do know the weight difference, don't you?
 
Oh, I'm sorry, I just saw my mistake:
I meant "Weight of robot on planet A" and so on..
Shame on me..
:redface:
 

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