Calculate the gravitational field strength

In summary, gravitational field strength is a measure of the force exerted by one object on another due to their masses. It is calculated by dividing the gravitational force by the mass of the object experiencing the force. The main factors affecting gravitational field strength are the mass of the objects and the distance between them. Gravitational field strength can vary depending on location and altitude on Earth due to the distribution of mass and the Earth's rotation. It is related to gravitational potential energy through the equation U = mgh, meaning an increase in gravitational field strength results in an increase in potential energy.
  • #1
sweet877
30
0
From the radius (1740 km) and mass (7.36 X 10^22 kg) of the moon, calculate gravitational field strength for this body.

g = F/m = F/(7.36X10^22 kg)
F = GmM/r^2 = (6.67X10^-11)(7.36X10^22)M/(1740X10^3)^2
What is the big M?
 
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  • #2
do you need it?
 
  • #3
I would think not...but why? Did I use the wrong formula to find F?
 
  • #4
Ah I got it.
mg = GmM/r^2, the small ms cancel out. Thanks!
 

1. What is gravitational field strength?

Gravitational field strength is the measure of the gravitational force exerted on an object by another object with mass. It is represented by the symbol "g" and is measured in units of meters per second squared (m/s²).

2. How is gravitational field strength calculated?

Gravitational field strength is calculated by dividing the gravitational force between two objects by the mass of the object experiencing the force. The formula is g = F/m, where g is the gravitational field strength, F is the gravitational force, and m is the mass of the object.

3. What factors affect gravitational field strength?

The main factor that affects gravitational field strength is the mass of the objects involved. The greater the mass, the greater the gravitational field strength. Additionally, the distance between the objects also affects the gravitational field strength, with a greater distance resulting in a weaker gravitational field.

4. Is gravitational field strength the same everywhere on Earth?

No, gravitational field strength can vary slightly depending on the altitude and location on Earth. This is due to the varying distribution of mass within the Earth and the effects of the Earth's rotation on its gravitational field.

5. How is gravitational field strength related to gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational field strength and gravitational potential energy are related through the equation U = mgh, where U is the potential energy, m is the mass, g is the gravitational field strength, and h is the height. This means that as the gravitational field strength increases, so does the potential energy of an object in that field.

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