# Homework Help: Falling object (gravity + kinematics)

1. Dec 20, 2006

### mbrmbrg

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

An object is dropped from an altitude of one Earth radius above Earth's surface. If M is the mass of Earth and R is its radus, find the speed of the object just before it hits Earth.

2. Relevant equations

$$F_g=ma_g=\frac{GMm}{r^2}$$

$$v^2=v_0^2+2ah$$

3. The attempt at a solution

$$F_g=\frac{GMm}{(2R)^2}=ma_g$$

$$a_g=\frac{GM}{4R^2}$$

Now, plug that into the kintematics equation and get

$$v^2=0+2(\frac{GM}{4R^2})R$$

$$v=\sqrt{\frac{GM}{2R}}$$

But the correct answer is given as $$\sqrt{\frac{GM}{R}}$$, and I can't find my error.

2. Dec 20, 2006

### Staff: Mentor

Note that F_g and a_g are not constant, but are functions of r.
But this kinematic equation assumes constant acceleration.

That's only the acceleration at the point r = 2R; as the object falls, the acceleration increases.

Your error is treating this as a constant acceleration problem. Instead of using kinematics, why not use energy conservation? (What's the general form for gravitational PE? Note that "mgh" is only valid near the earth's surface--no good here.)

3. Dec 20, 2006

### mbrmbrg

Thanks, got it now!