Different ways to calculate force, GPE

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on various methods to calculate force, mass, gravitational potential energy (GPE), and separation distance. Key formulas mentioned include Newton's second law (ΣF = ma), gravitational force (Fg = mg), and the general gravitational force equation (F_g = G(m1)(m2)/r^2). Additionally, GPE can be derived using U_g = -G(m1)(m2)/r or Ug = mgh. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these relationships and how to manipulate them to find unknown variables.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with gravitational force equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational potential energy concepts
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of gravitational force equations, specifically F_g = G(m1)(m2)/r^2
  • Explore the concept of gravitational potential energy using U_g = -G(m1)(m2)/r
  • Learn about the relationship between mass, force, and acceleration through ΣF = ma
  • Investigate methods for calculating separation distance in gravitational contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the calculations of force and energy in gravitational systems.

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Different ways to calculate force, GPE...

Homework Statement



Different ways to calculate force,mass,Gravational Potienal Energy,separation distance

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Not sure how to find new ways to calculare these other than the already known formulas like
G(m1)(m2)/r^2
 
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physicsman7 said:

Homework Statement



Different ways to calculate force,mass,Gravational Potienal Energy,separation distance

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Not sure how to find new ways to calculare these other than the already known formulas like
G(m1)(m2)/r^2
We shall be glad if you state clearly what exactly you want.
 


I want to know a diffrenet formula that can be used to caluclate those things

Different ways to calculate force,mass,Gravational Potienal Energy,separation distance
 


Well, all of these can be found many ways, and it's kind of unclear what you want.

For example:
\Sigma F = ma gets you the force if you have mass and acceleration.
Fg=mg gives you the force on an object due to gravity.
E=\frac{k q_1 q_2}{r^2} gives you the electric field (which is a force)
F_g=\frac{g M m}{r^2} is the general force of gravity.
and there are many more.

Mass can be calculated from lots of things, assuming you know other variables--kinetic energy, certain potential energies, certain forces, net force, etc.

GPE can be found using the generic equation U_g=-\frac{g M m}{r}, by total energy minus everything that's not GPE, Ug=mgh, integrating force, etc

Separation distance (if I am interpreting it correctly) can be found by knowing the result of most of the equations I have already listed and solving for r and other ways.
 
Last edited:


thanks, sorry I am also a little unclear withe question is as well it wants to know new ways to calculate all those things that's all it says but thanks for the help
 
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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