How do mass and radius affect gravitational pull on planets?

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SUMMARY

The gravitational pull on planets is determined by the ratio of mass to the square of the radius (M/R²). In this discussion, participants analyzed four planets with different mass and radius configurations to determine which would exert the greatest weight on a 60 kg person. The conclusion reached is that Planet B, with a mass of 2M and a radius of 2R, provides the highest gravitational pull due to its optimal mass-to-radius ratio. Participants confirmed that the correct answer is Planet B based on the calculations of M/R².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force and the equation Weight = GM₁M₂/R²
  • Familiarity with mass and radius concepts in planetary science
  • Basic algebra for manipulating ratios and equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational constant (G) and its role in weight calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of gravitational pull variations on different celestial bodies
  • Learn about the effects of mass and radius on planetary formation and stability
  • Explore gravitational field strength calculations for various planetary bodies
  • Investigate the relationship between gravitational pull and orbital mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, physicists, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the factors influencing gravitational forces on planets.

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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.
 
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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.
 
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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 $$\frac{M_A}{R_A^2}=\frac{M}{(3R)^2}=\frac{1}{9}\frac{M}{R^2}$$.
 
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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
 
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Yes i also think the correct answer is Planet B. Because it has the greatest mass/(radius squared) value :D.
 
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