Is this the approximate gravity of Mars?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the calculation of the gravitational force on the surface of Mars, exploring different methods and equations to determine its value. Participants examine the relationship between mass, weight, and gravitational acceleration, as well as the implications of using different constants and formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation claiming that the force of gravity on Mars is approximately 0.10204876 Newtons based on a conversion from weight on Earth.
  • Another participant questions the initial approach and suggests that the gravitational field strength at the surface of Mars can be derived from the known relationship of Mars' gravity being 38% of Earth's gravity.
  • A third participant provides a formula for calculating gravitational acceleration (g) using the gravitational constant, mass of Mars, and its radius, arriving at a value of approximately 3.71 m/s².
  • A later reply acknowledges confusion in the calculations and emphasizes the distinction between mass and weight, noting that mass remains constant while weight varies with gravitational pull.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculations and methods used to determine the gravitational force on Mars. There is no consensus on the correctness of the initial calculation or the interpretation of gravitational concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of using accurate constants and definitions in calculations, and there are indications of potential errors in the initial calculations presented. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding regarding gravitational concepts.

.:Endeavour:.
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I've found this site that states: "The surface gravity on Mars is only about 38% of the surface gravity on Earth." So a 100 lbs object will weigh about 38 lbs or a 45.359 kg will be on Mars 17.237 kg (converting 38 lbs in kg). So to find the Fg of Mars, I did this kind of equation:
[tex] \frac{45.359 kg}{444.518 N} = \frac{17.237 kg}{X}[/tex]

(444.518)(17.237) = (45.359)(X)

7662.156766 = 45.359X

[tex] \frac{7662.156766}{45.359} = X[/tex]

168.9225 N = X
-----------------------------------
Now that we know the weight of the object in Newtons on Mars' surface, then:

17.237 kg ÷ X = 168.9225 N

X = 0.10204876 N

Fgravity = 0.10204876 N

So the force of gravity on Mars surface is approximately 0.10204876 Newtons, right? The site that I found the information at is: [URL]http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_kids/AskKids/mars_gravity.shtml[/ur].
 
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.:Endeavour:. said:
I've found this site that states: "The surface gravity on Mars is only about 38% of the surface gravity on Earth." So a 100 lbs object will weigh about 38 lbs or a 45.359 kg will be on Mars 17.237 kg (converting 38 lbs in kg). So to find the Fg of Mars, I did this kind of equation:
[tex] \frac{45.359 kg}{444.518 N} = \frac{17.237 kg}{X}[/tex]

(444.518)(17.237) = (45.359)(X)

7662.156766 = 45.359X

[tex] \frac{7662.156766}{45.359} = X[/tex]

168.9225 N = X
-----------------------------------
Now that we know the weight of the object in Newtons on Mars' surface, then:

17.237 kg ÷ X = 168.9225 N

X = 0.10204876 N

Fgravity = 0.10204876 N

So the force of gravity on Mars surface is approximately 0.10204876 Newtons, right? The site that I found the information at is: [URL]http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_kids/AskKids/mars_gravity.shtml[/ur].[/QUOTE]

I don't understand what you're trying to do. You're trying to find the gravitational field strength at the surface of mars? Is that what you mean by Fg?

If so, you are given: FgMars=.38*FgEarth Which solve the problem for you considering you know the field strength of Earth is 9.8N/kg...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The formula for finding g is:
g = GM / R2

Where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the object (Mars), and R is the radius of the object. For Mars this would be:

g = [tex]\frac{(6.67300 * 10^{-11}) * (6.4191 * 10^{23})}{3,397,000^{2}}[/tex]

g = [tex]\frac{42834654300000}{11539609000000}[/tex]

g = 3.71

Google’s calculator is great.
http://www.google.com/search?q=(G+*+mass+of+mars)+%2F+radius+of+mars+^+2
 
Thank you for your help. It started to look wrong like I did it now that I'm looking it over. It was 17.237 kg that would trow everything off where you have to find what is 0.38 on Mars' surface times its Fg. Because mass is constant and doesn't changes with the gravitational pull, but only weight does change, right? Thank you for your corrections.
 

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