How Does the Sun's Gravitational Pull on the Moon Compare to Earth's?

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SUMMARY

The gravitational pull of the Sun on the Moon can be calculated using Newton's law of universal gravitation, specifically the formula F_{g} = (Gm_{1}m_{2})/r^{2}. In this context, the distance from the Earth to the Sun is used as an approximation for the distance from the Sun to the Moon. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying this formula to derive the gravitational forces and emphasizes the need for accurate distance measurements to achieve correct results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Familiarity with gravitational force calculations
  • Knowledge of the constants involved, such as G (gravitational constant)
  • Basic understanding of astronomical distances, particularly Earth-Sun and Earth-Moon distances
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the gravitational constant G and its significance in calculations
  • Learn how to accurately measure astronomical distances
  • Explore the concept of gravitational forces in multi-body systems
  • Study the effects of gravitational interactions on orbital mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding gravitational interactions in celestial mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

girl_saint86
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Homework Statement


What is the ratio of the gravitationalpull of the sun on the moon to that of the Earth on the moon?(Assume the distance of the moon from the suncan be approximated by the distance of the Earth from the sun.)


Homework Equations



F_{g} = (Gm_{1}m_{2})/r^{2}

The Attempt at a Solution



What i got from the question the surface to surface distance is the same and to calculate F_{g} so using the orbital distance of the Earth from moon i found out theorbital disrance of sun to moon but my answer s totally different from the aI am to get


Thanks for any help possible
 
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girl_saint86 said:
What i got from the question the surface to surface distance is the same and to calculate F_{g} so using the orbital distance of the Earth from moon i found out theorbital disrance of sun to moon

The question said to use the distance between the Sun and the Earth as the distance between the Sun and the Moon.
 

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