Calculating Gravity on the Surface of Asteroid Ceres | Forces Homework Help

[7m-84]

Homework Statement

The asteroid Ceres has a mass of 7x10^20 and a radius of 500km

a. what is the gravity on the surface
b. How much would a 85kg astronaut weigh in ceres

Homework Equations

Fg = (Gm1m2)/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution

None, where do I get the seccond mass value from? or am I using the wrong equation?

pls help, all constructive input appreciated :)

 

[diazona]

Well, you can use that equation, but you'll need another one: F = mg. You might have seen this before with w (for "weight") in place of F, but it's the same thing. Part (a) is just asking for the value of g, the gravitational acceleration.

Can you see how to put this equation together with the one you have to find g?

 

[7m-84]

So something like

w=mg
w=(7.20x10^20)(6.67x10^-11)
w=4.669x10^10

then

fg=(Gm1m2)/r^2
fg=(6.67x10^-11)(4.669x10^10)(7.20x10^20)/500^2
fg=2.24x10^21

like that?

 

[LowlyPion]

In figuring gravity for Ceres, the mass of the object that you want to determine the value of gravity for drops out.

W = m*g = G*M*m/r²

g = G*M/r²

To find W then

W = m*g

 

[diazona]

So something like

w=mg
w=(7.20x10^20)(6.67x10^-11)
w=4.669x10^10

then

fg=(Gm1m2)/r^2
fg=(6.67x10^-11)(4.669x10^10)(7.20x10^20)/500^2
fg=2.24x10^21

like that?

No, not that... putting equations together is not the same thing as plugging in numbers. I was trying to point you towards the answer LowlyPion wrote out.

 

[7m-84]

got it