How Much Gravitational Force Acts Between an Astronaut and a Space Shuttle?

AI Thread Summary
The gravitational force between a 61 kg astronaut and a 71,000 kg space shuttle, when 81 m apart, is calculated using the formula F = [G(Mm)/r^2]. Initial calculations yielded 48.4 nN, but this was based on an incorrect distance of 84 m. Correcting the distance to 81 m results in a force of approximately 4.40 nN. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using the correct distance in gravitational force calculations. Accurate arithmetic is crucial for obtaining the correct answer.
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Homework Statement


What is the approximate value of the gravitational force between a 61 kg astronaut and a 71000 kg space shuttle when they're 81 m apart?

Homework Equations


F = [G(Mm)/r^2]


The Attempt at a Solution


F = (6.67×10−11 N·m2/kg2)(61 kg)(71,000 kg)÷
(84 m)2 = 48.4 nN.

Web assign marked it wrong?
Is it wrong?
 
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Check your arithmetic, given your set up (which is correct) I get 40.9 nN.
 
shallgren said:
Check your arithmetic, given your set up (which is correct) I get 40.9 nN.

^ That is wrong.
 
Whoops, I just checked what you had filled in the equation as. The problem you wrote says that the shuttle and the astronaut are 81 m apart, but the set-up shows 84 m. My bad.

Using 81 m as the distance, I get 4.40 nN. Unless, of course, the problem actually is 84.
 
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