What is the mistake in my calculation for gravitational field strength?

Therefore, we can treat them as constants and move them outside the equation. We can also rearrange the equation to solve for the density of P, which is given by p = g * r^2 / (4/3 * pi * r^3). Then, we can substitute in the values for g and r from the given information about Q and P, and solve for the density of P. In summary, we can use the equations g = GM / r^2, p = M / v, and Vs = 4/3 * pi * r^3 to calculate the density of a planet P with given values of gravitational field strength and radius.
  • #1
pyman999
7
0

Homework Statement


70d030c2091bcb8514dcab3cf06abd76.png

Homework Equations


g = GM / r^2, where g is the gravitational field strength, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the attracting body, r is the radius of the attracting body.
p = M / v, where p is density and v is the volume.
Vs = 4/3 * pi * r^3, where Vs is the volume of a sphere, r is the radius of the sphere.

The Attempt at a Solution


g = M / r^2 (as G is constant)
rearraging p = M / v, M = pv
pv / r^2 = g
(p * 4/3 * pi * r^3) / r^2 = g (assuming the planet is perfectly spherical)
p * 4/3 * pi * r = g
density of Q is 1/2 that of P, radius is 2x that of P.
1/2 * 4/3 * pi * 2 = 4/3 * pi
therefore, 4/3 * pi * 13.4 = 56.13Nkg^-1, however the answer is 13.4Nkg^-1? Can someone see where I've gone wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
4/3 is a constant, and so is pi... just like G.
 

1. What is gravitational field strength?

Gravitational field strength is a measure of the force per unit mass exerted by a gravitational field on an object.

2. How is gravitational field strength calculated?

Gravitational field strength is calculated by dividing the force of gravity acting on an object by the object's mass.

3. How does distance affect gravitational field strength?

The farther an object is from a source of gravity, the weaker the gravitational field strength will be. This is because the force of gravity decreases with distance.

4. What is the unit of measurement for gravitational field strength?

The unit of measurement for gravitational field strength is newtons per kilogram (N/kg).

5. How does gravitational field strength differ on different planets?

Gravitational field strength varies on different planets depending on their mass and size. Generally, planets with greater mass and larger sizes will have stronger gravitational field strengths.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
719
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
832
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
43
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
933
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
63
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
3K
Back
Top