Acceleration due to gravity - Help with equation. Thanks

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the acceleration due to gravity (g) using the formula g = G Me/r^2, where G is the gravitational constant. Participants clarify that G is approximately 6.67 x 10^-11 N-m^2/kg^2, and emphasize the importance of squaring the radius in the calculation. After several attempts, the correct value for g is confirmed to be around 9.81 m/s^2, which aligns with the known value for Earth. The conversation highlights the need for careful substitution and calculation to avoid errors. Overall, the thread provides guidance on solving the equation accurately.
nukeman
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Homework Statement



Here is the problem:

GIven the formula below, calculate the expected value of the accerlation, G (in m/s^2). THe mass and radius of Earth are 5.974x10^24 kg and 6.37 x 10^6 m, respectively.

Formula to use: g = G Me/r^2

How do I solve for g ? I keep messing up on calculation.

Thanks


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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'g' is already the subject of the formula, so you just need to substitute the numbers into the equation.
 
rock.freak667 said:
'g' is already the subject of the formula, so you just need to substitute the numbers into the equation.

Oh. So, it would then turn into:

g = G 5.974x10^24 / 6.37 x 10^6

?

So, would the answer be? 9.378x10^29

? That can't be rigbht
 
nukeman said:
Oh. So, it would then turn into:

g = G 5.974x10^24 / 6.37 x 10^6

?

So, would the answer be? 9.378x10^29

? That can't be rigbht

Well 'G' is a constant such that G=6.67300 × 10-11 m3kg-1s-2

And you are dividing by 106,so you can't really get back 1029. Redo the calculation with the value of 'G' in it.
 
rock.freak667 said:
Well 'G' is a constant such that G=6.67300 × 10-11 m3kg-1s-2

And you are dividing by 106,so you can't really get back 1029. Redo the calculation with the value of 'G' in it.

im real sorry, but you lost me with G

How do I do the calculation with Value G in it?
 
nukeman said:
im real sorry, but you lost me with G

How do I do the calculation with Value G in it?

g=GM/r2

Just replace the letters with the numbers given.
 
How do I calculate this? First, is this correct?

6.6726 x 10-11N-m^2/kg^2 x 5.974x10^24 / 6.37 x 10^6
 
nukeman said:
How do I calculate this? First, is this correct?

6.6726 x 10-11N-m^2/kg^2 x 5.974x10^24 / 6.37 x 10^6

Your units are the same throughout, so you can leave out the units in the calculation. You also forgot to square the radius 'r'.

g= (6.67x10-11)(5.974x1024)/(6.37x106)2
 
I tried it 2 diferent ways.

first answer: 9.37833595 x 10^24

next: 9.8200

??
 
  • #10
nukeman said:
next: 9.8200

This is more or less correct.
 
  • #11
rock.freak667 said:
This is more or less correct.

Is there anyway you can check, or I can be sure?

:)
 
  • #12
nukeman said:
Is there anyway you can check, or I can be sure?

:)

Well we know that on Earth, g=9.81 m/s2, so your answer should be around that number. (Depending on how accurate your values are)
 
  • #13
rock.freak667 said:
Well we know that on Earth, g=9.81 m/s2, so your answer should be around that number. (Depending on how accurate your values are)

Great, good enough for me :)

Thanks VERY much for your help, really appreciate it!
 
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