Physics acceleration due to gravity

In summary, the conversation was discussing a spacecraft with mass m located at a distance of 4R(earth) from the center of the planet. The questions asked were about the formula for the gravitational force on the vehicle at that distance, the weight of the vehicle at 4R(earth), expressing the weight in terms of acceleration due to gravity at 4R(earth), and writing an expression for gravitational acceleration at 4R in terms of R(earth), G, and M(earth).
  • #1
jjbrin00
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A spacecraft of mass m at a distance of 4R(earth) from the center of the planet. a) What is the formula for the gravitational force on the vehicle at that distance? b) What is the weight of the vehicle at a distance of 4R(earth)? c) Alternatively, express the weight in terms of the acceleration due to gravity at 4R(earth). d) Write an expression for the gravitational acceleration at 4R, in terms of R(earth), G, and M(earth).
 
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  • #2
jjbrin00 said:
A spacecraft of mass m at a distance of 4R(earth) from the center of the planet. a) What is the formula for the gravitational force on the vehicle at that distance? b) What is the weight of the vehicle at a distance of 4R(earth)? c) Alternatively, express the weight in terms of the acceleration due to gravity at 4R(earth). d) Write an expression for the gravitational acceleration at 4R, in terms of R(earth), G, and M(earth).

Have a look at this. Especially the summaries in the two blue boxes.

http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/history/Newtongrav.html
 

What is the definition of acceleration due to gravity?

The acceleration due to gravity is a physical constant that measures the rate at which objects accelerate towards the Earth's surface. It is denoted by the letter "g" and has a value of approximately 9.8 meters per second squared.

How is acceleration due to gravity calculated?

Acceleration due to gravity can be calculated using the equation g = GM/r^2, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the larger object, and r is the distance between the two objects. Alternatively, it can also be calculated by measuring the time it takes for an object to fall a certain distance and using the equation g = 2d/t^2.

Does acceleration due to gravity vary on different planets?

Yes, acceleration due to gravity varies on different planets due to differences in their mass and radius. For example, the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the moon is only 1.6 meters per second squared, while on Jupiter it is 24.8 meters per second squared.

What factors affect acceleration due to gravity?

The two main factors that affect acceleration due to gravity are mass and distance. Objects with larger masses or shorter distances between them will experience a greater acceleration due to gravity. Other factors such as air resistance and the rotation of the Earth can also have a small impact on the value of g.

Why is the acceleration due to gravity constant?

The acceleration due to gravity is constant because it is determined by the mass and radius of the Earth, which do not change significantly over short periods of time. This allows us to use a single value for g in our calculations, making it a useful and reliable constant in the field of physics.

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