Gravity between earth and moon

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of an astronaut floating around as if not being affected by gravity if they are located at the positional median between the Earth and its moon. However, it is concluded that the Earth's greater gravity will eventually pull the astronaut towards it, and the moon's gravity is not strong enough for this to occur. The concept of LaGrange Points is also mentioned as related information.
  • #1
evthis
If an astronaut is located close to the positional median between the Earth and its moon, will the astronaut float around as if it was not being effected by gravity for the same reason that a person in an elevator in free fall would float around being unable to use a measuring device to calculate gravitational pull?
 
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  • #2
I don't think so. What'll happen is the Earth, with it's greater gravity, will pull the astronaut toward Earth. Of course the Moon's gravity will affect the astronaut, but the Moon's gravity isn't strong enough for what you have in mind.

Anyone else?
 
  • #3
The "positional median"?? Do you mean halfway between (in which case the Earth's gravity would be much greater) or the point at which the Earth's gravitational force and the moons are equal?

If you mean the latter AND assume the astronaut is motionless (momentarily) with respect to the Earth and the moon, then there would be no net gravitational force on the astronaut. However, that won't last long since Earth and moon are moving relative to one another!
 
  • #4
related info...LaGrange Points
http://www.physics.montana.edu/faculty/cornish/lagrange.html
 
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1. What is the force of gravity between the earth and the moon?

The force of gravity between the earth and the moon is approximately 1.98 x 10^20 newtons.

2. How does gravity affect the tides on earth?

Gravity between the earth and the moon is responsible for the tides on earth. The moon's gravitational pull causes the water in the oceans to bulge towards the moon, creating high tides.

3. Why does the moon stay in orbit around the earth?

The moon stays in orbit around the earth because of the force of gravity. The gravitational pull of the earth keeps the moon in its orbit.

4. Does the distance between the earth and moon affect the force of gravity?

Yes, the force of gravity between the earth and moon is affected by the distance between them. The force decreases as the distance between the two objects increases.

5. How does the force of gravity between the earth and moon compare to other celestial bodies?

The force of gravity between the earth and moon is relatively small compared to other celestial bodies, such as the sun. However, it is strong enough to keep the moon in its orbit around the earth.

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