Calculating centripetal acceleration between moon and satelite

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating centripetal acceleration in the context of gravitational forces between the Moon and a satellite. It clarifies that the formula GMm/r^2 represents gravitational force rather than centripetal acceleration. To find acceleration, one should set this force equal to ma and solve for a. Additionally, the relationship between acceleration and radius (r) is emphasized as crucial for solving the problem. Understanding these concepts is essential for accurately calculating centripetal acceleration in this scenario.
okgo
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Homework Statement


http://www.screencast.com/users/trinhn812/folders/Jing/media/e79a7b88-f71e-4790-a35c-7bc0c3e03ec8
Answer key is marked

Homework Equations



F=gMm/r^2 =ma=mv^2/R

The Attempt at a Solution


So does gMm/r^2 also measure centripetal acceleration?
 
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okgo said:

The Attempt at a Solution


So does gMm/r^2 also measure centripetal acceleration?

Not quite, but you are on the right track. GMm/r^2 is a measure of force. Technically to find the acceleration, set it equal to ma and, solve for a. Then, to solve your original problem, note how a varies with r.
 

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