Calculating Gravity Acceleration on Planet Zog

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the acceleration of gravity on planet Zog, Mr. Spock observed that a 0.3 kg mass takes 1.41 seconds to fall from a height of 3.09 meters. The discussion suggests using a simple kinematic equation, d = v_i t + 0.5 a t^2, rather than the gravitational formula involving mass and radius. Given the known distance and time, the acceleration can be solved directly without needing the radius of the planet. It is emphasized that the mass of the object does not affect the acceleration due to gravity. This approach simplifies the calculation and focuses on the kinematic relationship.
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On planet Zog, Mr Spock measures that it takes 1.41 s for a mass of 0.3 kg to hit the ground when released from rest from a height of 3.09m. Calculate the size of acceleration of gravity on that planet.
I know that a= GM/r^2, but I don't know the radius. Any suggestions on where to begin?
 
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Any suggestions on where to begin?

Assuming that the height from which the mass is dropped is negligable compared to the radius, this is a trick question.
 
I don't believe you need to use the equation you gave. Use a simple kinematic equation.

d = v_{i}t + \frac{1}{2}at^2

You know d, vi, and t. Solve for a.

EDIT: Maybe this won't work, but it seems right to me. The mass shouldn't matter, as everything accelerates at he same rate, regardless of mass.
 

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