Force that the Earth exerts on the Moon

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    Earth Force Moon
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the gravitational forces exerted by the Earth and the Sun on the Moon, focusing on the calculations and factors involved in determining these forces. The scope includes theoretical and mathematical reasoning related to gravitational interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the mass of the Moon as 7.4 x 10^22 kg and inquires about the forces exerted on it by the Earth and the Sun.
  • Another participant suggests using the formula F_g = Gm_1 m_2 / d^2 to calculate gravitational force.
  • A different participant mentions the availability of a gravitational force calculator online.
  • One participant proposes that the mean radius, mass, and orbital velocity of the Moon could also be relevant for calculations.
  • Several participants question the significance of the radius in the context of the Moon's orbit.
  • There is an acknowledgment of a lack of clarity in the discussion regarding the relevance of radius, with one participant apologizing for not providing clarification earlier.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods for calculating gravitational forces, but there is no consensus on the importance of the radius in these calculations, indicating a lack of agreement on that specific point.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about gravitational calculations and the relevance of different parameters, but these assumptions are not fully explored or resolved.

Poppinkrey
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Let's say that the Moon has a mass of 7.4 x 10^22 kg. What's the force that the Earth, and the Sun exerts on the Moon?
 
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Just use

[tex]F_g = \frac{Gm_1 m_2}{d^2}[/tex]
 
There's a gravitational force calculator if you search google as well.
 
Got it, thanks!
 
One could also use its mean radius, mass, and orbital velocity...
 
DoggerDan said:
One could also use its mean radius, mass, and orbital velocity...

Why does radius matter?
 
Drakkith said:
Why does radius matter?
of its orbit.
 
DaveC426913 said:
of its orbit.

Yes, thank you DaveC. Sorry, Drakkith, for not clarifying that.
 

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