The discussion focuses on calculating gravitational acceleration at a planet's surface using the formula \( a = \frac{GM}{r^2} \), where \( G \) is the gravitational constant, \( M \) is the mass of the planet, and \( r \) is the radius of the planet. Participants emphasize the importance of the \( r^2 \) term in determining how a planet's size influences an object's weight. The correct answer to the posed problem is identified as option D, highlighting the relationship between mass and gravitational force.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the effects of planetary size on gravitational acceleration.
It is all about that r^2 term. If you know M (mass of planet) but don't know r (the radius of the planet - distance from centre to the surface), how do you find a (= GM/r^2) at the surface?dinhjeffrey said:Homework Statement
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#13
Homework Equations
m=F/a
F=g(m1m2)/r^2
The Attempt at a Solution
well, the answer is D, but I am not sure how a planet's size can affect an object's weight on there. I am guessing you have to use the gravitational constant. I am guessing you plug in the planets weight and the objects weight into m1 and m2 of gravitational constant?