Gravity on the height of 12740 km ?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the acceleration due to gravity at a height of 12740 km, which is stated to be two times the Earth's radial distance. The original poster expresses confusion regarding their calculated results compared to a reference book.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the formula for gravitational acceleration but encounters discrepancies in their results. Some participants question the interpretation of the height in relation to the Earth's radius, suggesting a misunderstanding of the radial distance.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the height and its implications on the calculations. There is a recognition of multiple results from the original poster, prompting further inquiry into the algebraic steps taken.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the height being referenced as either 2R or 1R, which affects the calculations. The original poster also mentions discrepancies between their results and the book's answer.

Amar
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Homework Statement


So the problem I have is calculating the gravity acceleration on the height of 12740km or 2 times the radial distance of Earth. The problem is relatively simple and I think that I have it right but the result doesn't match with the book.

## g_0=9,81 \frac {m}{s^2} ##
##R=6370km ##
## h=R=6370km ##

Homework Equations


## g = g_0 \frac{R^2}{(R+h)^2} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


Well given that I have everything except ## g ## I could have just put everything in and be done with it. I went with canceling out the symbols and got ## g = \frac {g_0}{2} ## This resulted in 4.905. When calculating everything the result was 2.4525. The result specified in the book is 1,09 m/s^2. I'm really confused :)
 
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A height is a distance above the Earth's surface. You're given a height of 2R, so the radial distance is 3R...
 
gneill said:
A height is a distance above the Earth's surface. You're given a height of 2R, so the radial distance is 3R...

I must have explained it badly. The height given is 1R

EDIT: The title is wrong, sorry..
 
Amar said:
I must have explained it badly. The height given is 1R
.
That would make the book's answer incorrect...
 
gneill said:
That would make the book's answer incorrect...

But what about the double answer I got ? One is 4.905 the other 2.4525 ? Kinda weird that the the other is 2x smaller than the first :P
 
Amar said:
But what about the double answer I got ? One is 4.905 the other 2.4525 ? Kinda weird that the the other is 2x smaller than the first :P
Can you show your algebraic steps for your attempt by cancellation?
 
Amar said:
But what about the double answer I got ? One is 4.905 the other 2.4525 ? Kinda weird that the the other is 2x smaller than the first :P
Never mind, after another try at the calculation I got that 2.4525 is correct, thanks for the help :)
 

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