How Do You Calculate Gravitational Force Correctly?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the gravitational force correctly, the formula used is F = G(m1*m2)/(r^2). The provided values yield a force of 7.1437 N, but this value represents acceleration due to gravity, which should be expressed in m/s². The correct interpretation of the calculation shows that the acceleration of gravity at the equator of the planet is 7.1437 m/s². The confusion arose from mislabeling the result as force instead of acceleration. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate gravitational calculations.
pookisantoki
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A planet has an euqatorial radius of 7.58 * 10^7 m and mass of 6.15 * 10^26 kg. Compute the acceleration of gravity at the equator of this planet.
I used the formula f=G (m1*m2)/(r^2)

i plugged it into the formula
f= (6.674 *10^-11) (6.15 *10^26)/((7.58 * 10^7)^2)= 7.1437N

accerleration= 7.1437/6.15 *10^26=1.1616 * 10^-26

but the answer is wrong, what am i doing wrong??
 
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pookisantoki said:
A planet has an euqatorial radius of 7.58 * 10^7 m and mass of 6.15 * 10^26 kg. Compute the acceleration of gravity at the equator of this planet.
I used the formula f=G (m1*m2)/(r^2)

i plugged it into the formula
f= (6.674 *10^-11) (6.15 *10^26)/((7.58 * 10^7)^2)= 7.1437N

What you did here was calculate GM/r2.

Acceleration due to gravity is defined as F/m or simply GM/r2. So you found the acceleration due to gravity already, so your 7.1437N is really supposed to be 7.1437m/s2
 
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