Problems - Gravity & Mass of Earth & Moon

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two questions related to gravitational forces and mass comparisons between the Earth and the Moon. The first question involves determining the mass of the Moon relative to the Earth based on the difference in gravitational strength. The second question seeks to find the point where the gravitational fields of the Earth and the Moon cancel each other out.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about which formulas to use and indicates confusion regarding the meanings of variables in those formulas. Participants inquire about the specific formulas attempted and encourage clarification of the quantities involved.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to identify and clarify the formulas being used. The original poster has made progress on the first question but is still working on the second question independently. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved without a clear consensus on the methods to be applied.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of understanding of the formulas and their components, which may affect their ability to apply them correctly. There is an indication of homework constraints, as participants suggest focusing on specific aspects of the problem without providing direct solutions.

J7
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
I'm completely stumped on 2 questions I have, I'm not even sure which formula's to use, I've tried many... any help??

1) Lunar gravity at the Moon's surface is only 1/6 as strong as what we experience on Earth. Since the diameter of the Moon is about 1/4 that of the Earth, the lunar mass is about :
a) 3 x 10^-3 times the Earth's mass
b) 1 x 10^-2 times the Earth's mass
c) 3/8 the Earth's mass
d) 1/3 of the Earth's mass
e) 3 times the Earth's mass


2) At what point between the Earth, mass M_E and the Moon, mass 0.0123 M_E will their gravitational fields cancel each other (i.e. at what point willa small mass experience zero net force?)
a) at the centre of the Earth
b) At the centre of mass of this sysytem
c) at a distance 50% between the two
d) At a distance 74% of the way from the Earth to the Moon
e) none of these


Any help to set me on track would be really appreciated! Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Which formulas have you tried out?
 
Many, but i have a feeling I'm using them incorrectly, and because I'm not exactly sure of what each thing in the formulas stands for, I can't substitute in for them.
 
All right, please write down a single formula you think is right.
Then, describe those quantities you know what means
Don't double post; stop the thread in Gen.Physics.
 
I figured the first one out, thanks anyway, I'm going to try the second one once more on my own
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K