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Gravitational Force due to Earth, Moon, and Sun

 
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Jun10-11, 08:39 PM   #1
 

Gravitational Force due to Earth, Moon, and Sun


1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Part One:
Calculate the magnitude of the gravitational force between the Moon and an m = 6.45 kg mass on the surface of the Earth nearest to the moon. The distance to the center of the Moon from the surface of the Earth is 3.76×105 km and the mass of the Moon is 7.36×1022 kg.

Part Two:
Calculate the ratio of the magnitude of the gravitational force between an m = 6.45 kg mass on the surface of the Earth due to the Sun to that due to the Moon. The mass of the Sun is 1.99×1030 kg and the distance from the center of the Sun to the surface of the Earth is 1.50×108 km.

2. Relevant equations:

F = G*M1*M2/r^2
G constant = 6.67E-11



3. The attempt at a solution:

For part A, I used the gravitation formula, and had this equation:

F = ((6.67E-11)(6.45)(7.36E22))/(e.76E5)^2

I keep getting my answer to be 223.97 N, but this is apparently incorrect?
I have not yet attempted part B, because I want to troubleshoot what I am doing wrong with Part A first. I have correctly answered previous, similar questions but this one has me stumped. Any and all advice is welcome.

Thank you!
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data



2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution
 
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Jun10-11, 08:58 PM   #2
 
Recognitions:
Homework Helper Homework Help
The constant G has units. What are they? It is important that the units of all your values correspond, otherwise a power of ten (or two, or three...) could creep in to spoil the party.
 
Jun10-11, 09:15 PM   #3
 
AHH! I feel like such a moron! thank you so much! I knew it had to be something silly!
 
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