SUMMARY
The gravitational attraction between a student with a mass of 48.9 kg and Earth at the altitude of the space shuttle, where the gravitational field is 7.95 N/kg, can be calculated using the formula F = mg. Here, F represents the force in Newtons, m is the mass of the student, and g is the gravitational field strength. Substituting the values, the force of attraction is F = 48.9 kg * 7.95 N/kg, resulting in a force of approximately 388.55 N.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of Newton's law of universal gravitation
- Familiarity with the formula F = mg
- Basic knowledge of gravitational fields
- Concept of mass and weight in physics
NEXT STEPS
- Study the derivation of the gravitational force formula F = GMm/d²
- Learn about variations in gravitational acceleration at different altitudes
- Explore the concept of gravitational fields and their effects on objects
- Investigate the implications of gravitational attraction in space missions
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the forces acting on objects in a gravitational field.