Calculating the gravity on the moon

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The discussion focuses on calculating the gravitational force on the Moon, comparing it to Earth's gravitational pull of 9.81 N/kg. A participant initially calculated a force of approximately 1.622 N but later found a discrepancy, arriving at 2.72 N instead. Suggestions emphasize solving the problem symbolically by using the ratios of the Earth and Moon's radii and masses, which simplifies the calculation. The importance of maintaining clarity in calculations and using ratios for direct comparisons is highlighted. Ultimately, the discussion aims to clarify the correct approach to determining lunar gravity.
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Hey guys, we just had a physics test and one exercise was the following:

The Earth pulls down on stuff with 9.81 N/kg.
How strong is this force on the moon?

Homework Statement



Radius of the Earth re = 6,370km
Ratio between re and rm = 11:3
Ratio between me and mm = 81:1

Homework Equations



Gravitation formula. F=\gamma*\frac{mM}{r^{2}}

The Attempt at a Solution



In the test I got the correct result ~1,622\frac{m}{s^{2}} but now I can't figure out how I did it.
This is my attempt:
http://imgur.com/4TfyD2G
My formula was basically this:
F=6.67\cdot10^{-11}\frac{Nm^{2}}{kg^{2}}\cdot\frac{1kg\cdot\frac{9.81N\cdot6.37\cdot10^{6}m}{6.67\cdot10^{-11}\frac{Nm^{2}}{kg^{2}}}:81}{(6.37\cdot10^{6}m\cdot\frac{11}{3})^{2}}

EDIT: Okay this is kind of illegible. This one is better: http://i.imgur.com/O6nEQyr.png

I first thought I was right but when i calculate the result its something like 2,72N instead of 1,622N.

How can I get to the right solution?
 
Last edited:
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Please post your working. How else can we determine what you're doing wrong?
 
Oh sorry, the picture isn't loading.
I will try to fix that.
 
Blacky372 said:
My formula was basically this:
F=6.67\cdot10^{-11}\frac{Nm^{2}}{kg^{2}}\cdot\frac{1kg\cdot\frac{9.81N\cdot6.37\cdot10^{6}m}{6.67\cdot10^{-11}\frac{Nm^{2}}{kg^{2}}}:81}{(6.37\cdot10^{6}m\cdot\frac{11}{3})^{2}}
Generally it is better to solve problems symbolically, only plugging in the numbers at the very end. That is definitely true for this problem. Notice that two of the data you are given are ratios of the Earth and Moon radii and masses. That suggests that taking the ratio of the force on the Moon to the force on the Earth, ##F_m/F_e##, is the most direct route to a solution. Do that symbolically and the problem becomes very simple.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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