How Strong Is the Sun's Gravity at Earth's Orbit Distance?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The acceleration due to gravity of the Sun at the distance of Earth's orbit is calculated using Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. The mass of the Sun is 1.99 x 1030 kg, and the average distance from the Earth to the Sun is 150 x 106 km. The gravitational constant (G) is 6.67 x 10-11 N(m/kg)2. Using the formula a = Gm/r2, the acceleration due to the Sun's gravity at Earth's orbit can be computed accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Familiarity with gravitational constant (G)
  • Basic knowledge of mass and distance measurements
  • Ability to perform calculations involving scientific notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the acceleration due to gravity at different distances from the Sun
  • Explore the implications of gravitational forces on planetary motion
  • Learn about the effects of gravity on time dilation in general relativity
  • Investigate the relationship between gravitational force and orbital speed
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding gravitational forces and their effects on planetary orbits.

guru
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
What is the acceleration due to gravity of the sun at the distance of the Earth's orbit?

i have no idea where to begin.
Help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The gravitational pull of the Sun on the Earth is the centripetal force keeping the Earth from flying off into the great beyond.
 
guru said:
What is the acceleration due to gravity of the sun at the distance of the Earth's orbit?

i have no idea where to begin.
Help

Find the mass of the sun, and the distance between the sun and the earth. Then, think about Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation.
 
This is what i obtained
Sun's Mass: 1.99x10^30 kg,
earth-sun distance: 150x10^6 km.

law of gravitational = Gm/r^2
G=6.67*10^(-11)

((6.67*10^(-11)) * (1.99*10^30))/ (2.25*10^12)

is that right?
 
Last edited:
guru said:
What is the acceleration due to gravity of the sun at the distance of the Earth's orbit?

i have no idea where to begin.
Help

Probably the simplest and most direct approach is to use Newton's law of gravity.

Do you know what that is?
 
pervect said:
Probably the simplest and most direct approach is to use Newton's law of gravity.

Do you know what that is?
law of gravity = Gm/r^2
G=6.67*10^(-11)

((6.67*10^(-11)) * (1.99*10^30))/ (2.25*10^12)
right?
 
The acceleration due to the Sun's gravity at the location of the Earth is just

a = \frac {v^2}{R}

where v is the speed of the Earth around the Sun and R is the radius of Earth's orbit. You know R and you know the Earth travels a distance of 2\pi R in one year so you know its speed too.
 
guru said:
law of gravity = Gm/r^2
G=6.67*10^(-11)

((6.67*10^(-11)) * (1.99*10^30))/ (2.25*10^12)
right?

That should be right!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
983
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K