Weight of an Object on another Planet

So yes, it is possible to have a negative weight.In summary, On the surface of a very dense planet with the same mass as Earth but half its radius, a 1 kg mass would weigh the same as on Earth. The ratio of weights does not depend on the radius or mass of the planet. The negative sign in the gravitational energy equation indicates the direction of the force and a negative weight is possible.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


How much would a 1 kg mass weigh on the surface of a very dense planet with the same mass as Earth, but 1/2 Earth's radius?

Homework Equations


Eg(universe) = -G[(m1m2)/d^2]
Earth's Radius = 3,959 mi
Earth's mass = 5.97E24 kg

The Attempt at a Solution


If I plugged in those number into the universe gravitational energy equation along with the 1kg mass, will I get the answer in Newtons as the weight on that planet?
Because of the negative sign in front of that equation, the answer would be in negative? Is that possible?
 
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  • #2
You do not need to know the radius nor the mass of the Earth to solve this problem. Simply take the ratio of the weights.

The minus sign simply tells you the direction of the gravitational force, positive being away from the source.
 

1. How does the weight of an object change on different planets?

The weight of an object changes on different planets due to the variation in gravitational pull. The strength of gravity depends on the mass and size of the planet, which differs from planet to planet. Therefore, the weight of an object will be different on each planet.

2. How is weight different from mass?

Weight and mass are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different concepts. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, while weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object. Mass is constant, but weight can vary depending on the gravitational pull of the planet.

3. Can the weight of an object be zero on a planet?

Yes, the weight of an object can be zero on a planet if there is no gravitational pull. This is only possible in outer space, where there is no significant gravitational force acting on the object.

4. How does the weight of an object on Earth compare to other planets?

The weight of an object on Earth is relatively high compared to other planets in our solar system. This is because Earth has a larger mass and therefore a stronger gravitational pull. For example, a 100-pound person on Earth would weigh only 38 pounds on Mars and 236 pounds on Jupiter.

5. Can the weight of an object on a planet change over time?

Yes, the weight of an object on a planet can change over time. This is because the mass and size of a planet can change due to various factors, such as meteor impacts or volcanic activity. These changes can affect the gravitational pull of the planet and, in turn, the weight of objects on its surface.

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