What is the Gravitational Force on Two Satellites Circling Earth?

In summary, the figure shows that the force on a 0.1-kilogram mass decreases as the square of the distance from Earth. When comparing satellites A and B, both circling Earth, with A having ten times the mass of B but B being 1/10 of the distance to the center of Earth, the gravitational force on A is 1/100 times as much as that of B. This can be determined using the equation F = G * (m1 * m2)/r^2 and considering the mass and distance of each satellite from Earth.
  • #1
astru025
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Homework Statement



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


Homework Equations


G=m_1*m_2/ r^2



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.
 
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  • #2
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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