How to find the acceleration of a random planet

AI Thread Summary
To find the acceleration of gravity on the planet Pyramid, use Newton's law of gravity, which states that the acceleration due to gravity at the surface is determined by the planet's mass and radius. The formula for gravitational acceleration is g = G * M / r^2, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the planet, and r is its radius. The period of orbit is not necessary for calculating surface gravity, as it pertains to orbital mechanics rather than surface acceleration. The initial calculation of 3.45e^22 m/s^2 is incorrect and likely due to a misunderstanding of the formulas involved. Focus on the mass and radius of the planet to determine the correct acceleration due to gravity.
justinbaker
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here is the question,

the mysterious planet pyramid travels around its sun in a circular orbit. The radius of this planet is 2.69e^7 m and the mass is 3.06e^25 kg . The radius of orbit of pyramid is 1.15e^11 m and the period is 6.34e^7 s . The mass of pyramids sun is 9.22e^31 and the radius of the sun is 1.50e^9 m . What is the acceleration of gravity on pyramid? (m/s^2)


i thought you could use the formula v=(2(pi)r)/T and plug this into F=m(v^2/r) since the only force is gravity towards the sun.

But my answer comes out to be 3.45e^22

this seems a little high, any help? thanks guys
 
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You have the mass and the radius of the planet. Use Newton's law of gravity to find the acceleration due to gravity at the planet's surface.
 
dont i need to use the period somewhere in this problem?
 
Last edited:
justinbaker said:
dont i need to use the period somewhere in this problem?
Not if the problem is to find the acceleration due to gravity on that planet's surface. (Is that the problem?)
 

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