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evan b
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Homework Statement
How far above the Earth's surface will the acceleration of gravity be one fifth of what it is on the surface?
Gravity acceleration 1/5 earths, how high?
- Thread starter evan b
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- Acceleration Gravity
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on calculating the altitude at which gravitational acceleration equals one fifth of Earth's surface gravity, approximately 1.96 m/s². This requires understanding the inverse square law of gravitation, which states that gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance from the Earth's center. The formula used is g' = g / (1 + h/R)², where g is the surface gravity (9.81 m/s²), h is the height above the surface, and R is the Earth's radius (approximately 6,371 km). The conclusion indicates that the required height is around 7,000 km above the Earth's surface.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of gravitational acceleration and its measurement.
- Familiarity with the inverse square law of gravitation.
- Basic knowledge of algebra and solving equations.
- Concept of Earth's radius and its significance in gravitational calculations.
- Research the inverse square law of gravitation in detail.
- Learn how to derive gravitational force equations.
- Explore the effects of altitude on gravitational acceleration.
- Study real-world applications of gravitational calculations in aerospace engineering.
Students studying physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in the effects of altitude on gravitational forces.
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