Gravitational Forces: Calculating Magnitude & Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating gravitational forces and accelerations related to a satellite and the Earth. The original poster presents multiple questions regarding the gravitational force on a satellite, the force exerted on the Earth by the satellite, and the respective accelerations of both the satellite and the Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of gravitational force equations, specifically F=G(m1m2/r^2) and F=ma. There are attempts to clarify the gravitational acceleration at different distances from the Earth and how it affects the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confusion about the calculations and the application of the formulas. There is a mix of attempts to provide guidance and requests for clarification on specific steps. The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on how to proceed with the calculations, with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific values such as the mass of the Earth and gravitational constant, but there is uncertainty about their relevance to the problem. The original poster has received a numerical answer for one part of the problem but is unsure how to derive it or apply it to the other questions.

ahealy88
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(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)
 
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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:
 

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