Calculating Force w/ Scientific Notation Answers Coming Out Wrong?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on calculating gravitational force using the Universal Law of Gravitation, specifically with masses of 5 kg and 2.5 kg positioned 0.1414 meters apart. The calculation performed was (6.67e-11 * 5 * 2.5) / (0.1414^2), resulting in an incorrect answer of 4.17e-8 instead of the correct value of 4.171e-14. The discrepancy was identified as a result of using incorrect mass units, confirming that both masses must be in kilograms for accurate results.

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mcdowellmg
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This is a simple question. I am calculating the force of two masses based on the Universal Law of Gravitation. I am setting up the equation as G (gravitational constant of 6.67e-11)*mass1*mass2 all divided by the distance between the masses squared.

This particular question is about masses of 5 and 2.5 that are .1414 meters apart, so I am doing (6.67e-11*5*2.5)/(.1414^2) and getting 4.17e-8 as the answer.

HOWEVER, the answer is apparently 4.171e-14.

Is this a calculator error (TI-89) or a formula error?

Thank you.
 
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Are you sure the masses are in kilograms, not grams?
 
Thanks! Perhaps I've been a little stressed today. That is exactly what was wrong.
 

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