Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around calculating the gravitational force between a person and the Earth, using the gravitational force formula. It includes aspects of mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification regarding the application of the formula and unit conversions.
Discussion Character
- Mathematical reasoning
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant calculates the gravitational force to be approximately 8.3514...x10^8 N using the formula F=G ( (m1xm2)/r^2) with given values for mass and distance.
- Another participant suggests that the calculated force seems too high and proposes that the correct force should be around 834 N, indicating a potential order of magnitude error.
- A third participant questions whether the first participant converted the distance to meters for the calculation, implying this could be a source of error.
- Another participant confirms the importance of unit conversion, noting the significant difference in magnitude when using kilometers versus meters.
- The original poster humorously acknowledges a misunderstanding, suggesting they mistakenly treated themselves as a celestial body in the calculation.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express disagreement regarding the initial calculation of gravitational force, with multiple viewpoints on the correct approach and potential errors in unit conversion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the accurate calculation.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the need for proper unit conversion and the assumptions made in applying the gravitational force formula. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps leading to the initial error.