How Strong Is the Sun's Gravitational Pull on Earth?

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SUMMARY

The gravitational pull of the Sun on Earth is calculated using Newton's law of universal gravitation. The force (F) is determined using the formula F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where G is the gravitational constant (6.67 x 10^-11 N(m/kg)^2), m1 is the mass of the Sun (1.99 x 10^30 kg), m2 is the mass of the Earth (5.97 x 10^24 kg), and r is the distance from the Earth to the Sun (1.5 x 10^11 m). The resulting force is approximately 3.52 x 10^28 N, leading to an acceleration of 0.0177 m/s² for the Earth due to the Sun's gravitational influence.

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  • Understanding of Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Familiarity with gravitational constant (G)
  • Basic knowledge of mass and distance in physics
  • Ability to perform calculations involving scientific notation
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  • Study the implications of gravitational forces in celestial mechanics
  • Learn about the effects of gravitational pull on planetary orbits
  • Explore advanced topics in astrophysics, such as gravitational waves
  • Investigate the role of gravitational forces in the formation of solar systems
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The Earth is subject not only to the gravitational force of the moon but also to the gravitational pull of the sun. However, the
earth is much farther away from the sun than it is from the moon. In fact, the center of the Earth is at an average distance of 1.5 x 10^11 m
from the center of the sun. Given that the mass of the sun is 1.99 x 10^30 kg,

Find the acceleration of the Earth due to the sun's gravitational pull

Can someone help me with this problem

acceleration a = F/m
F = Gmm/r^2

Thank you
 
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Plug&chug your numbers into your formula! :smile:
 
is this right?
F= ((6.67x10^-11)(1.99 x 10 ^30)(5.97 x 10^24kg))/(1.5 x
10^11 m)^2
= 3.52 x 10 ^28

a = F/m = 3.52 x 10^28 N / 1.99 x 10^30 kg = .0177 m/s^2

can someone please check my method

thank
 

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