How to Calculate Work Done by a Force in Space?

[BikeSmoth]

Homework Statement

The force of gravity acts on a 1250 kg probe in outer space. It accelerates the probe from a speed of 225 m/s to 227 m/s over a distance of 6750 m. How much work does gravity do on the probe?

Iwas wondering how to approach gravity in this problem. Should I assume gravity as its value on Earth or calculate an acceleration for it based on the info given?

 

[RoyalCat]

Neither. This is a straight up energy question. You even have more data than is required for the problem.

Think about applying the work-energy theorem.

 

[tiny-tim]

Forget that it's gravity …

just read it as "a force acts …" ​