Gravitation Force Question | Tricky

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on calculating the gravitational equilibrium point between the Earth and the Moon, given their respective masses and the distance between them. The mass of the Moon is specified as 7.35 x 1022 kg, while the Earth's mass is 5.98 x 1024 kg. The gravitational constant used is 6.67 x 10-11 N·m2/kg2. The user attempts to solve for the distance from Earth to the equilibrium point using the equation Fmoon = Fearth and suggests a formula involving gravitational forces, indicating a misunderstanding in their calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Familiarity with gravitational force equations
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Knowledge of mass and distance units in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of gravitational force equations in detail
  • Learn how to apply the concept of gravitational equilibrium in multi-body systems
  • Explore the implications of the gravitational constant in calculations
  • Practice solving equilibrium problems using real-world examples
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those in high school or introductory college courses, as well as educators looking for examples of gravitational calculations and equilibrium concepts.

Raza
Messages
203
Reaction score
0
Hi, I am taking Physics Grade 12 at home, so I get teacher's help for 2 hours once a week. They basically give me booklets to do at home and just simply hand it in. But the negative side to this that it's only 2 hours of help and teachers don't know most of the questions (they're new). And also the books are COMPLETE crap; there is little or no explanation behind the physic's equation and leave you to think about equation yourself. There's more questions that I don't get but here's the 1st question from the booklet.

Homework Statement


The mass of the Moon is 7.35 x 1022kg. At some point between Earth and the Moon, the force of Earth's gravitational attraction on an object is canceled by the Moon's force of gravitational attraction. If the distance between Earth and the Moon (center to center) is 3.84 x 105km, calculate where this will occur, relative to Earth.


Homework Equations


F_{g}=\frac{Gm_{1}m_{2}}{r^2}
MMoon=7.35 x 1022kg
MEarth=5.98 x 1024kg
Gconstant=6.67 x 10-11N x m^2/kg^2


The Attempt at a Solution


I think it must be:
\frac{F_{(G)moon}}{F_{(G)earth}}=1
and you are trying to figure out r.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Using your solution, you've got a wrong answer? r^2 = (3.84E5)^5?
 
Well, is my solution right?
 
How about trying;

\frac{GM_e}{d^2}-\frac{GM_m}{(r-d)^2} = 0

Where d is the distance from the Earth to the equilibrium position and r is the distance from Earth to the moon. Does that make sense?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
21K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
23K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
11K
Replies
16
Views
3K