# College level physics help

1. Sep 22, 2013

### astru025

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Image attached. This figure shows the force on a 0.1-kilogram mass at various distances from Earth. Notice that the force decreases as the square of the distance. Now, consider satellites A and B, both circling Earth. If A has ten times the mass of B but B is 1/10 of the distance to the center of Earth as is A, what is the gravitational force on A relative to that of B due to Earth?
1/100 times as much
100 times as much
1/10 the amount
10 times as much
the two are equal

2. Relevant equations
G=m_1*m_2/ r^2

3. The attempt at a solution
I used my textbook and numerous notes and could not figure out a wAy to attempt this problem. Any pointers would be great.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. Sep 22, 2013

### voko

The relevant equation is not $$G = \frac {m_1 m_2} {r^2}$$ It is $$F = G \frac {m_1 m_2} {r^2}$$

Now, let $M$ be the mass of the Earth, $m_A$ be the mass of A, $m_B$ the mass of B, $r_A$ and $r_B$ the distances from the Earth to A and B, respectively. What is $F_A$ and $F_B$? What is $F_A/F_B$?

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