Calculate Mass of Unknown Planet with Physics B Ques.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of an unknown planet based on the motion of an astronaut who jumps upward with a given initial speed and reaches a specific height. The problem involves concepts from gravitational physics and kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different kinematic equations to determine the acceleration due to gravity on the planet. There is a focus on using the astronaut's jump data to derive this acceleration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on which formulas to use for calculating acceleration, while others express confusion over the results obtained, particularly regarding the implications of the calculated acceleration value. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of uncertainty regarding the application of kinematic equations in the context of accelerated motion, as well as concerns about the physical plausibility of the results given the planet's radius.

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Homework Statement


An astronaut lands on an unknown planet with a radius of 3560 m. When she jumps upward with an initial speed of 3.00m/s she rises to a height of 0.50 m. What is the mass of the planet?

Homework Equations


d = rt
x = x0 + v0t + [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]at2
M = gr2 / G

The Attempt at a Solution


0.5 m / (3.0m/s) = [tex]\frac{1}{6}[/tex]s
0.5 = 0 + 3[tex]\frac{1}{6}[/tex]s + [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]a[tex]\frac{1}{6}[/tex]2
0.5 = [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex] + [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]a[tex]\frac{1}{36}[/tex]
a = 0 m/s2?

I have no idea what to do. please help me.
 
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You need to get the value of the acceleration from the information given about the motion of the astronaut. Look for an accelerated motion formula with distance but not time in it. Put in the numbers and solve for a.

Your calc getting 1/6 second looks like a d = vt, which does not apply to accelerated motion.
 
In order to find the acceleration(gravity of the planet in this case) of the astronaut, I used following formula.

vf2 = v02 + 2a[tex]\Delta[/tex]X

If I solve for 'a', then I get

a = (vf2-vo2 / 2[tex]\Delta[/tex]X

I pluged in the numbers,

a = (9m/s) / 2(0.5 m) = 9 m/s2

which doesn't make sense because the radius of the planet is only 3560 m.

please help me what to do next.
 
I got 9, too. Maybe it is a neutron star or something.
Use this value of g to find M. Your formula M = gr2 / G should do it.
 

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