Calculating Earth Masses in a Planet with Earth-Size and Moon-Density

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter brianh
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Earth Planet
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of a planet that has the same size as Earth but possesses the density of the Moon. The key insight is that since the planet has the same volume as Earth, the calculation simplifies to comparing the densities of Earth and the Moon. By defining the unit volume as one Earth volume, users can directly apply the formula for density, which is mass per unit volume, to derive the mass of the planet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically density and volume.
  • Familiarity with the formula for density: density = mass/volume.
  • Knowledge of the densities of Earth and the Moon.
  • Basic mathematical skills for performing calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the density values of Earth and the Moon for accurate calculations.
  • Explore the concept of volume in relation to planetary bodies.
  • Learn about gravitational effects of different planetary densities.
  • Investigate other celestial bodies with varying densities for comparative analysis.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and students studying planetary science or astrophysics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in mass and density calculations of celestial bodies.

brianh
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
"Earth Masses"

I've been stuck on a problem for a few days now, and I know that it is a lot easier than I am making it out to be. My goal is to find how many Earth masses lie within a planet who has the same size as Earth, and the same density as the moon.

I honestly do not know how to go about this problem. Could anybody give me any guiding tips?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org


density is mass per unit volume

an object the same size as Earth has the same volume as earth

define your unit volume as one Earth volume
 


compare densities of Earth and moon ... that's almost all in a way! :biggrin:
 

Similar threads

Undergrad New Developments In The Search For Planet X
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Research paper and sources investigating Earth's moons
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Undergrad A New Idea for the Origin of Earth's Water
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad How Big of an Object Orbiting Closer to the Sun Than Earth Could Be Overlooked?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Undergrad Kepler orbits for planets of similar masses
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Nature paper on Moon's initial evolution - Tidally driven remelting
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Would the rogue planet in this picture slow Earths spin?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Undergrad Mysterious Agent Blows Up Moon: Can Earth Survive?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Undergrad Can a planet have multiple large moons?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School How Does Earth's Water Compare to Potential Ocean and Desert Planets?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K