Gravitational Forces: Calculating Magnitude & Acceleration

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on calculating gravitational forces and accelerations related to a 787-kg satellite positioned at a distance of two Earth radii from the Earth's center. The gravitational force exerted on the satellite is calculated as 8.48 x 10^-14 Newtons. The discussion also touches on the gravitational acceleration experienced by both the satellite and the Earth, emphasizing the use of the formulas F=G(m1m2/r^2) and F=ma. Participants express confusion over the calculations, particularly regarding the need for the Earth's mass and the gravitational acceleration at varying distances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Familiarity with gravitational acceleration (g) at different distances
  • Basic knowledge of mass and force calculations
  • Proficiency in using scientific notation for large and small numbers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Learn how to calculate gravitational acceleration at various distances from a mass
  • Explore the implications of gravitational force on satellite motion
  • Investigate the relationship between mass, force, and acceleration using F=ma
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the calculations of gravitational forces and accelerations in astrophysics.

ahealy88
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted on a 787-kg satellite that is a distance of two Earth radii from the center of the earth= 8.48*10^-14

(b) What is the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted on the Earth by the satellite? (In Newtons)

(c) Determine the magnitude of the satellite's acceleration. (m/s^2)

(d) What is the magnitude of the Earth's acceleration (m/s^2)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi ahealy88! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:
 
Thank you! :)
I've tried the F=G(m1m2/r^2) and F=ma and I'm not getting anywhere.
 
ahealy88 said:
Thank you! :)
I've tried the F=G(m1m2/r^2) and F=ma and I'm not getting anywhere.

(try using the X2 and X2 tags just above the Reply box :wink:)

Well, have you done a) then?

If not, show us your calculations, so that we can see what's going wrong. :smile:
 
The answer to A was given to me, its 8.48*10-14
 
I don't know how to get A; I'm completely lost in this problem.
 
ahealy88 said:
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted on a 787-kg satellite that is a distance of two Earth radii from the center of the earth= 8.48*10^-14

You know g, the gravitational acceleration at one Earth radius …

so what is the gravitational acceleration at two Earth radii? :smile:

(and then use F = ma)
 
that did not help.

what i have is the mass of earth=5.9742*10^24
G= 6.674*10^11

my equation did not add up= 6.674*10^11(5.9742*10^24 * 787 / 12756.2^2)
 
and i have no idea how to figure out b,c, & d
 
  • #10
Help!
 
  • #11
ahealy88 said:
what i have is the mass of Earth = …

You don't need the mass of the Earth! :rolleyes:

You know g, the gravitational acceleration at one Earth radius …

so what is the gravitational acceleration at two Earth radii? :smile:
 

Similar threads

High School Why Is an Object's Weight Equal to the Force of Gravity It Experiences?
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
5K
Undergrad A "continous" gravitational field formula r=0 to infinity
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
Undergrad Sun gravitational lensing forces
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Graduate Gravitational Analysis of Wide Binaries
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
763
High School Does gravitational force act on system or its components?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Is this analogy between Magnetic Force and Gravitational Force accurate in helping to understand what contributes more to a stronger magnetic force?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Do I exert a force on the moon?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How to get gravitational force on a gaseous particle?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
Undergrad Gravitational Force Calculation w/ Superposition Principle
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
High School Help Scaling Gravity Simulation
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K