What Altitude Above Earth Gives a Gravitational Acceleration of 3.53 m/s²?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the altitude above Earth's surface where gravitational acceleration is 3.53 m/s², utilizing the gravitational equation involving the mass of the Earth and the distance from its center.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between gravitational acceleration and altitude, with one attempting to solve for the distance from the center of the Earth. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of the problem, specifically the distinction between total distance from the center and altitude above the surface.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on interpreting the problem correctly. There is a focus on clarifying the difference between the radius from the center of the Earth and the altitude above its surface.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with known values for gravitational acceleration, the mass of the Earth, and its radius, but there is some confusion regarding the required distance to be calculated.

Punchlinegirl
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At what altitude above Earth's surface would the gravitational acceleration be 3.53 m/s^2?

I used the equation
a= GM/r^2
G=6.67 x 10^-11 and M= 5.98 x 10^24
Solving for r gives 1.06 x 10^7 m which isn't right... can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong?
 
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Reread the question. You need the altitude above the Earth's surface, not the distance from the center of gravity of the earth.
 
How would I find that since all I know is the acceleration, mass and radius of the Earth?
 
You know r = 1.06 x 10^7 m, the problem isn't asking for 'r'.

The problem is asking how far from Earth's surface. You know 'r' of earth, how high above the Earth is r = 1.06 x 10^7m?
 

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