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

In summary, the conversation discusses the problem of finding the number of Earth masses within a planet of the same size as Earth and the same density as the moon. The solution involves comparing the densities of Earth and the moon and defining the unit volume as one Earth volume.
  • #1
brianh
1
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?
 
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  • #2


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
 
  • #3


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

1. How do you calculate the mass of a planet with Earth-size and Moon-density?

To calculate the mass of a planet, you will need to use the formula: M = ρV, where M is the mass, ρ is the density, and V is the volume. In this case, we know the size of the planet is Earth-size and the density is the same as the Moon's, so we can use the values for these variables in the formula to calculate the mass.

2. What is the volume of a planet with Earth-size?

The volume of a planet with Earth-size can be calculated using the formula for the volume of a sphere: V = (4/3)πr^3, where V is the volume and r is the radius. In this case, we can use the radius of Earth (6,371 km) to calculate the volume of the planet.

3. Can the mass of a planet with Earth-size and Moon-density be calculated without knowing the volume?

No, the mass cannot be calculated without knowing the volume. The mass of an object is directly proportional to its volume, so without the volume, we cannot accurately determine the mass.

4. Why is the density of the planet important in calculating its mass?

The density of a planet is important because it is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume. By knowing the density, we can use it in the formula to calculate the mass of the planet.

5. Are there any other factors that need to be considered when calculating the mass of a planet with Earth-size and Moon-density?

Yes, there are other factors that may need to be considered, such as the gravitational pull of any other celestial objects that may be present, the shape of the planet, and its rotation. These factors can slightly affect the calculations and should be taken into account for a more accurate result.

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