How do mass and radius affect gravitational pull on planets?

  • Thread starter Thread starter momoneedsphysicshelp
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mass Planets Radius
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around how mass and radius affect gravitational pull on different planets, specifically in the context of determining which planet would exert the greatest weight on a 60 kg person. Participants are analyzing the relationships between mass, radius, and gravitational force.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are comparing the ratios of mass to radius and mass to radius squared to determine gravitational effects. There is an exploration of different planets' characteristics and how they relate to gravitational pull.

Discussion Status

Some participants are verifying their reasoning and calculations regarding the gravitational pull on different planets. There is a mix of opinions on which planet has the greatest weight, with some suggesting that planets B and D are contenders based on their mass-to-radius ratios, while others argue for planet B based on its mass-to-radius squared value.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the weight of a person on each planet can be determined using the formula for gravitational force, and they are encouraged to show their work to support their conclusions. There is a focus on comparing ratios rather than providing definitive answers.

momoneedsphysicshelp
Messages
23
Reaction score
2
Homework Statement
A 60 kg person stands on each of the following planets. On which planet is their weight the greatest?
Planet A mass M and Radius 3R
Planet B mass 2M and Radius 2R
Planet C mass 2 M and Radius 3 R
Planet D mass 3 M and Radius 3R
Relevant Equations
A) Planet A
B) Planet B
C) Planet C
D) Planet D
E) Planets B and D
F) The weight is the same on all
Can someone please verify if my reasoning is accurate?

I chose E) Planets B and D because they both have the same ratio of mass to radius which is the lowest of all the other planet options. Due to the fact that they have mass and radius evened out the gravitational pull will pull weight down more than any pf the other planets.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Physics news on Phys.org
momoneedsphysicshelp said:
Homework Statement:: A 60 kg person stands on each of the following planets. On which planet is their weight the greatest?
Planet A mass M and Radius 3R
Planet B mass 2M and Radius 2R
Planet C mass 2 M and Radius 3 R
Planet D mass 3 M and Radius 3R
Relevant Equations:: A) Planet A
B) Planet B
C) Planet C
D) Planet D
E) Planets B and D
F) The weight is the same on all

Can someone please verify if my reasoning is accurate?

I chose E) Planets B and D because they both have the same ratio of mass to radius which is the lowest of all the other planet options. Due to the fact that they have mass and radius evened out the gravitational pull will pull weight down more than any pf the other planets.
For Comparing Weight we have to compare M/R² Not M/R As Weight= GM₁M₂/R² and G,M₂(Mass of Object) are constant so Weight ∝M/R².
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Hemant said:
For Comparing Weight we have to compare M/R² Not M/R As Weight= GM₁M₂/R² and G,M₂(Mass of Object) are constant so Weight ∝M/R².
But even considering that my answer of E) Planets B and D is correct right?
 
Does the math work for that answer ? Bluntly, just guessing isn't going to get you anywhere. Show some work.
 
You have to compare the ratio $$\frac{M_{planet}}{R_{planet}^2}$$ for all the planets. For example for the planet A it is $$\frac{M_A}{R_A^2}=\frac{M}{(3R)^2}=\frac{1}{9}\frac{M}{R^2}$$.
 
Last edited:
Delta2 said:
You have to compare the ratio $$\frac{M_{planet}}{R_{planet}^2}$$ for all the planets. For example for the planet A it is $$\frac{M_A}{R_A^2}=\frac{M}{(3R)^2}=\frac{1}{9}\frac{M}{R^2}$$.
the answer would be B) Planet B because it has the greatest mass/radius value in comparison to the other options
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Yes i also think the correct answer is Planet B. Because it has the greatest mass/(radius squared) value :D.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: momoneedsphysicshelp and Steve4Physics

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K