Gravitational forces equal in between an object

AI Thread Summary
To determine the distance from Earth where the gravitational forces from Earth and Mars on a 200 kg space probe are equal, the gravitational force equations F = G(m1*m2)/r^2 must be applied. The mass of Earth is 5.976 x 10^24 kg, Mars is 6.394 x 10^23 kg, and the distance between the two planets is 7.83 x 10^7 km. By setting the gravitational force equations for both Earth and Mars equal to each other, the distance 'x' from Earth can be calculated. The discussion emphasizes the need to express the distance from the probe to Mars in terms of 'x' and to solve for the point where the gravitational forces balance. This approach provides a clear method for solving the problem.
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Homework Statement


from Earth to mars, determine at what distance (from earth) the gravitation force of the Earth acting on the space probe ( mass 200kg) is equal to the gravitational force of Mars on the space probe, if the planets are aligned.
Mass of earth: 5.976 x 10 ^ 24 kg
Mass of Mars: 6.394 x 10 ^ 23 kg
Mass of probe: 200kg
Radius of Mars: 3394 km
Radius of Earth: 6371 km
distance between Earth and Mars: 7.83 x 10 ^7 km
gravitational constant: 6.673 x 10 ^ -11
surface gravitational acceleeration of mars: 3.73 m/s^2
" "of Earth: 9.81 m/s^2

Homework Equations



F= Gmm / r^2
F=mg

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure how to get this problem started. If anyone could help me get going or something I can start with. Thank you
 
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Well, draw a line with Earth on one end and Mars on the other, then the probe some distance (x) from earth. In terms of 'x' and the earth-mars distance, what's the distance from the probe to mars?
In terms of 'x,' what is the force of gravity on the probe from earth? What about from mars? at what distance are they equal?

Does that help?
 
That's what i needed. Thanks for the help!
 
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