Basic question regarding gravitation

Thread starter canicon25
Start date Dec 7, 2011
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Gravitation

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To determine the mass of the asteroid, the gravitational potential energy equation is applied, using the initial and final states of the person. The equation 15 - GMm/r(i) = 0 - GMm/r(f) is suggested for solving the problem, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the asteroid, m is the mass of the person, r(i) is the radius of the asteroid, and r(f) is the total distance from the center of the asteroid to the maximum height. By substituting the known values into the equation, the unknown mass of the asteroid can be calculated. This approach effectively utilizes the conservation of energy principle in gravitational contexts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying gravitational equations to solve for mass.

Dec 7, 2011

canicon25

a 120kg person stands on the surface of an asteroid of radius 600m. the person leaves the surface with 15J of kinetic energy and reached a maximum height of 300m above the asteroid's surface. what is the mass of the asteroid.

i am stuck please help me with the problem.

15-GMm/r(i) = 0 - GMm/r(f)

plug in and solve for an unknown mass?

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Dec 7, 2011

NascentOxygen

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That looks like the right idea.

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