How to find the force exerted on a particle on the Earth by the Sun

In summary, the force exerted on a particle by the Sun is directly proportional to the distance between them and can be calculated using the formula F = G * (m1 * m2)/r^2. The mass of the particle affects the force exerted on it, but this force is still significantly smaller than the force exerted on larger objects. The force exerted on a particle by the Sun is not the same on all points of the Earth's surface due to gravitational anomalies. This force cannot be canceled out by other forces, but other forces can counteract its effects on a particle.
  • #1
Vitani11
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Homework Statement


Find the force exerted on a particle on the Earth by the sun.

Homework Equations


F = - GMm/r2

r = distance between sun and particle
M = mass of sun
G = Gravitational constant
m = ?

The Attempt at a Solution


Should I be using the other mass as that of the earth, or that of a pebble? I think it is the pebble. I mean it's the force BY the sun ON the pebble, but I want to make sure.
 
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  • #2
Yes, in this case you should use the mass of the pebble
 
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1. How does the distance between the particle and the Sun affect the force exerted?

The force exerted on a particle by the Sun is directly proportional to the distance between them. This means that as the distance between the two objects decreases, the force exerted increases, and vice versa. This is known as the inverse square law.

2. What is the formula for calculating the force exerted on a particle by the Sun?

The formula for calculating the force exerted on a particle by the Sun is F = G * (m1 * m2)/r^2, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between them.

3. Does the mass of the particle affect the force exerted on it by the Sun?

Yes, the mass of the particle does affect the force exerted on it by the Sun. The greater the mass of the particle, the greater the force exerted on it by the Sun. However, this force is still significantly smaller than the force exerted on larger objects, such as planets, by the Sun.

4. Is the force exerted on a particle by the Sun the same at all points on the Earth's surface?

No, the force exerted on a particle by the Sun is not the same at all points on the Earth's surface. This is because the Earth's shape and rotation cause variations in the gravitational force exerted by the Sun on different points on its surface. These variations are known as gravitational anomalies.

5. Can the force exerted on a particle by the Sun be canceled out by other forces?

No, the force exerted on a particle by the Sun cannot be canceled out by other forces. This is because the force of gravity is always present and cannot be canceled out or turned off. However, other forces, such as air resistance, can counteract the effects of gravity on a particle, making it appear to be in a state of weightlessness.

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