Dynamics of Rigid Bodies: The Concept of Law of Gravitation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the law of gravitation to calculate the mass of a rigid body. The user converted forces from kilonewtons to newtons and distances from kilometers to meters, ultimately solving for mass using the formula F = G(m1*m2)/r^2. The user reported a discrepancy in their calculated mass (335.721 kg) compared to another solution (335.4695 N), highlighting a misunderstanding of units where mass should be expressed in kilograms, not newtons. The conversation emphasizes the importance of unit consistency in gravitational calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Gravitation
  • Familiarity with unit conversions (kilonewtons to newtons, kilometers to meters)
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational constant (G) and its application
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of Newton's Law of Gravitation
  • Learn about unit conversion techniques in physics
  • Explore gravitational force calculations using different masses and distances
  • Review algebraic methods for solving physics equations
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of rigid bodies and gravitational calculations.

Nova_Chr0n0
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Homework Statement
Find the mass of an object (in kg) that weighs 2 kN at a height of 1800 km above the earth’s surface.
Relevant Equations
Mass of earth - 5.9742 x 10^24 kg
Radius of earth = 6378 km
F=G[(m_a*m_b)/R^2]
The questions and relevant formulas/information are attached below:

1701242900601.png

1701242922499.png

1701243032043.png


I started by writing the needed values:

2 kN = 2,000 N
6378 km =6378(1000) m
1800 km = 1800(1000)m

1701244278069.png


After converting, I tried solving for the mass using the law of gravitation formula:

1701244303798.png


I decided to replace N as (kgm)/s^2:

1701244326240.png

Solving for the mass:

1701244347866.png


I wanted to verify my final answer by trying to find it in the internet. I only saw 1 solution and we got the same values up until mass B. For his mass B, he got 335.4695 N but I got 335.721 kg. The other solution will be shown below:

1701244878834.png
1701244891704.png


Am I suppose to get mass B here with N as its unit? If so, on what part did I do the algebra wrong?
 
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Mass is measured in kg. Your numerical answer looks correct, although you may think about learning some algebra!
 
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