How much does the mass of the earth effect moon gravity?

In summary, the effect of gravity is diminished over long distances but the mass of the moon still exerts an influence on earth, particularly on tides. The mass of the Earth also influences gravity on the moon, with a quoted measurement of 1.622m/sec squared. However, the gravitational force experienced on the moon's surface is dependent on location, with a test mass experiencing forces from both the moon and the Earth according to Newton's law. In a cave at the center of the moon, no gravitational force would be felt.
  • #1
Phenomniverse
8
0
As I understand it, the effect of gravity is greatly diminished over long distances. Even so, the mass of the moon is sufficient to exert an influence on earth, for example on tides. My question is, to what extent does the mass of the Earth influence gravity on the moon. Gravity on the moon is quoted as being 1.622m/sec squared. But how much is that effected if you're standing on the moon with the Earth directly above your head, compared to standing on the opposite side of the moon with the Earth directly underfoot?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Try applying Newtons law to a nominal 1kg test mass on the surface of the moon. There will be two forces one due to the moon and the other due to the earth. The general equation is...

F = Gm1m2/r2
 
  • #3
If you were in a cave in the centre of the moon you would not notice any gravitational force.
 

1. How does the mass of the earth affect the gravity of the moon?

The mass of the earth plays a crucial role in determining the gravity of the moon. The larger the mass of the earth, the stronger the gravitational pull it exerts on the moon. This is because the mass of the earth creates a gravitational field that affects all objects around it, including the moon.

2. Does the mass of the earth directly affect the gravitational force between the earth and the moon?

Yes, the mass of the earth has a direct impact on the gravitational force between the earth and the moon. According to Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses. Therefore, as the mass of the earth increases, the gravitational force between the earth and the moon also increases.

3. How does the mass of the earth compare to the mass of the moon in terms of gravity?

The mass of the earth is significantly larger than the mass of the moon, which means that the earth has a much stronger gravitational pull than the moon. This is why objects on the moon weigh less than they do on earth, as the gravitational force exerted by the moon is much weaker.

4. Is there a critical mass for the earth to have enough gravity to keep the moon in orbit?

Yes, there is a critical mass for the earth to maintain the moon in its orbit. This critical mass is determined by the mass of the earth, the distance between the earth and the moon, and the velocity of the moon's orbit. If the mass of the earth were to decrease significantly, the moon could potentially drift away from its orbit.

5. Can the mass of the earth change the gravitational pull of the moon?

Yes, the mass of the earth can affect the gravitational pull of the moon. As the mass of the earth changes, the strength of the gravitational field around it also changes. This, in turn, can affect the gravitational pull on the moon and cause variations in its orbit and tides on earth.

Similar threads

Extinction event in my story, is it believable?
    • Science Fiction and Fantasy Media
Replies
6
Views
96
Interplanetary Portals vs Gravity
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
4
Views
1K
B Earth & Moon Gravity Gradient: Investigating Its Impact
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
33
Views
3K
How does the moon pull on the earth?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
5K
Testing Newtonian Gravity: Collision of Two Masses
    • Mechanics
Replies
17
Views
1K
A How Does the Sun's Tidal Effect Influence Earth's Rotation and Moon's Orbit?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
9
Views
3K
How Does Mass Influence Gravity?
    • Other Physics Topics
2
Replies
48
Views
5K
Where does the energy for gravity come from?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
32
Views
8K
I Effects of gravity on planetary core structure
    • Classical Physics
Replies
9
Views
800
B Does the inverse square law equalize gravity at different spots?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
8
Views
751

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top