How to Calculate Gravitational Field Strength at 400000m from Earth?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate gravitational field strength at 400,000 meters from Earth's surface, it is essential to use the distance from the Earth's center rather than the height above the surface. The gravitational potential values provided are -62.72 MJ/kg at the surface and -59.12 MJ/kg at 400,000 meters. The gravitational field strength can be derived using the formula F_G/m = -GM/r^2, resulting in a value of -8.4 mega Newtons per kilogram at this altitude. It is crucial to ensure correct notation and understanding of gravitational potential when approaching such calculations. Accurate application of these principles leads to the correct determination of gravitational field strength.
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Distance form the Earth's surface: Gravitational potential/MJkg-1
0 : -62.72
400000 : -59.12

Deduce the Earth's gravitational field strength at a height of 400000m.

Since g=-GM/r^2 and V=-GM/r , I tried to solve this question using V/r. But I failed to get the correct answer. Any suggestion on how to approach the question?
 
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I don't understand your notation in the first paragraph.

However, be sure to use the distance from the center of the Earth in your calculation (and NOT the height above the surface)!
 
The gravitational field is given by
F_G/m=-\frac{GM}{r^2}
so at the surface it is -9.8
and at the required distance -8.4 mega Newtons per kilogram.
 
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