How Do You Calculate Gravitational Force Correctly?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the gravitational force and acceleration due to gravity on a planet with an equatorial radius of 7.58 × 107 m and a mass of 6.15 × 1026 kg. The user initially calculated the gravitational force using the formula F = G (m1*m2)/(r2), resulting in a force of 7.1437 N. However, the correct interpretation of this value is that it represents the acceleration due to gravity, which is 7.1437 m/s2, not a force. The user misunderstood the relationship between force and acceleration in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Familiarity with gravitational constant (G = 6.674 × 10-11 N m2/kg2)
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts such as force and acceleration
  • Ability to manipulate scientific notation and perform calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the formula for gravitational force and acceleration
  • Learn about the implications of gravitational acceleration on planetary bodies
  • Explore the differences between mass and weight in gravitational contexts
  • Investigate the effects of varying radius and mass on gravitational force calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the calculations related to gravitational force and acceleration on celestial bodies.

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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