Calculating the Ratio of Planet Masses Using Newton's Law of Gravitation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the ratio of the masses of Mars and Earth using Newton's Law of Gravitation. The weight of a 1 kg object on Mars is given as 4N, while on Earth it is 10N. The radius of Mars is approximately half that of Earth, leading to the conclusion that the mass ratio of Mars to Earth is 0.1. This calculation is derived from the gravitational force equations and the relationship between weight, mass, and radius.

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Homework Statement



The weight of an object of mass 1kg at the surface of Mars is about 4N. The radius of Mars is about half the radius of Earth. Estimate the ratio:

mass of Mars/Mass of Earth


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




The answer is 0.1 but I don’t see where that comes from? 1kg would be 10N on Earth but 4/10 is 0.4 not 0.1? I’m assuming the radius is important but I don’t know how.
 
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Hi puzzled2, welcome to PF.

Can you write Newton's law of gravitation for the two cases?
 

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