How to find the mass of a planet when given the radius?

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SUMMARY

To determine the mass of a planet given its radius, one must first calculate the gravitational acceleration at the planet's surface using the formula F=G*m1*m2/R^2. The gravitational acceleration can be measured using a stopwatch and a meterstick to observe the motion of an object. Once the gravitational acceleration is known, it can be used in conjunction with the radius to find the planet's mass definitively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational acceleration
  • Familiarity with measurement techniques using a meterstick and stopwatch
  • Concept of radius in relation to celestial bodies
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate gravitational acceleration on different celestial bodies
  • Study the application of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation in astrophysics
  • Explore methods for measuring time and distance accurately in physics experiments
  • Investigate the relationship between mass, radius, and gravitational force
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, educators in physics, and anyone interested in understanding planetary mass determination methods.

CluelessPhysics
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1. So for homework my teacher gave us this question (and this is quoted from his worksheet):
You graduate college with a degree in astrophysics and are assigned as an astronaut to explore a distant planet for NASA. You land on this planet and are told to determine the mass of the planet there. You have a meterstick and a stopwatch. Observations from space tell you the radius of the planet that you land on. How do you go about measuring the mass of this planet?

2.F=G*m1*m2/R^2

How do I even begin to complete this problem? Do I have to find the acceleration of gravity on the planet? Any help is appreciated.
 
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CluelessPhysics said:
1. So for homework my teacher gave us this question (and this is quoted from his worksheet):
You graduate college with a degree in astrophysics and are assigned as an astronaut to explore a distant planet for NASA. You land on this planet and are told to determine the mass of the planet there. You have a meterstick and a stopwatch. Observations from space tell you the radius of the planet that you land on. How do you go about measuring the mass of this planet?

2.F=G*m1*m2/R^2

How do I even begin to complete this problem? Do I have to find the acceleration of gravity on the planet? Any help is appreciated.

Yes, you have to find the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the planet.
 

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