Calculating Distance from Moon's Centre for Gravitational Field Change

AI Thread Summary
An astronaut experiences a gravitational force of 160 N on the moon's surface and 40 N at a higher altitude. The gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the moon's center (1/r^2). To determine the new altitude, one must calculate how far from the moon's center the astronaut must be for the gravitational force to reduce to a quarter of its surface value. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between gravitational force and distance. This approach aids in solving the problem of calculating the astronaut's new location in relation to the moon's radius.
Dark_Dragon
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An astronaut standing on the surface of the moon experiences a gravitational force of attraction of 160 N. He then moves away from the surface of the moon to an altitude where gravitational force is 40 N.

a) How far away from the centre of the moon is this new location in terms of the radius of the moon?

I know that Fg is proportional to 1/r^2

I don't know how to figure it out, can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks.
 
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Well, ask yourself two questions:

(1) How far away from the center of the moon is he when he is standing on the surface of the moon?

(2) How far away from the center of the moon would he need to be to reduce 1/r^2 to 1/4 of what it is on the surface of the moon?
 
aww man i didnt even think of it, thanks very much mate :)
 
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