Gravity Strength: Moon vs Earth Ratio of Height Reached

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    Gravity Strength
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves comparing the height reached by a ball thrown upward on the moon versus on Earth, given the difference in gravitational strength. The original poster is seeking confirmation of their solution regarding the ratio of heights based on initial velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the height ratios using kinematic equations, questioning the correctness of their result. Some participants suggest setting up equations of motion to clarify the relationship between the heights independent of initial velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to verify the original poster's calculations, with one participant confirming the result. There is an ongoing exploration of the underlying principles without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions the urgency of their inquiry due to an upcoming exam, indicating a time constraint that may influence the depth of the discussion.

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Homework Statement



The strength of gravity on the moon is 1/6 of that on earth. If a ball is thrown straight upward on the moon with initial velocity Vo the ratio of the height it reaches to the height it would reach on earth, if also thrown upward with velocity Vo is:

2
1/6
6
depends on Vo
36

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


EDIT: I got 6 I want to know if this is correct because it is a review question for an exam I have in an hour. Can someone help me out? I solved 2 kinematic equations with Vo with the only knowns being the gravity acclerations and got x on Earth = Vo^2 / (2g) and x on the moon to be = 6Vo^2 / (2g)
 
Last edited:
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While the distances the ball travels upward on either the Earth or the moon will depend on V_o, the ratio of them will not.

Try to set up an equation of motion for each situation. Using the two equations you should see that you can find an equation for the ratio that is not dependent on V_o.
 
right I did an edit to show I got 6 is that correct?
 
Correct.:smile:
 

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