Finding Acceleration of Gravity of Fictional Planet

In summary, the individual is preparing for an exam and encountered a problem involving an astronaut on the planet Zircon tossing a rock. They found the speed of the rock to be 6.95m/s and the distance it fell to be 1.4m. However, after consulting the book, they realized they needed to find the acceleration of the rock. They will need to use an appropriate equation to solve for acceleration.
  • #1
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In preparation for my upcoming first exam I was doing all of the suggested problems throughout the chapters. Everything was fine until this problem:

Homework Statement


An astronaut on the planet Zircon tosses a rock horizontally with a speed of 6.95m/s. The rock falls through a vertical distance of 1.4m and lands a horizontal distance of 8.75m from the astronaut. What is the acceleration of gravity on Zircon?


Homework Equations


Distance=speed x time
Speed=distance/time


The Attempt at a Solution



8.75m/6.95m/s=1.26s

1.4m/1.26s=1.11m/s

Now, I thought this was correct but according to the back of the book the answer is 1.77m/s which would be 1.4*1.26. Am I misunderstanding something?
 
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  • #2
You found the speed of the rock if it fell at a constant speed. You are meant to find the acceleration of the rock. You need to use an equation that relates time, distance and acceleration.
 
  • #3
Are you doing projectile motion?
 

1. How do you determine the acceleration of gravity on a fictional planet?

To determine the acceleration of gravity on a fictional planet, you would need to know the mass and radius of the planet. Using the formula g = G*M/r^2, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the planet, and r is the radius of the planet, you can calculate the acceleration of gravity.

2. What is the gravitational constant?

The gravitational constant, denoted by G, is a fundamental constant in physics that is used to measure the strength of the gravitational force between two objects. Its value is approximately 6.67 x 10^-11 N*m^2/kg^2.

3. How does the acceleration of gravity on a fictional planet compare to Earth's acceleration of gravity?

The acceleration of gravity on a fictional planet will depend on the mass and radius of the planet. If the planet has a larger mass and radius than Earth, its acceleration of gravity will be greater. However, if the planet has a smaller mass and radius, its acceleration of gravity will be lower.

4. Can the acceleration of gravity on a fictional planet be negative?

Yes, the acceleration of gravity on a fictional planet can be negative. This would mean that the planet has a negative mass, which is not possible in our known universe.

5. Can the acceleration of gravity on a fictional planet change?

Yes, the acceleration of gravity on a fictional planet can change if there are significant changes to the mass or radius of the planet. However, if there are no significant changes, the acceleration of gravity will remain constant.

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