Mass of earth to use in calculation?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 5K views
jillz
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
If the mass of the Earth = 5.9742 × 1024 kilograms
how do you use this in a calculation?

When trying to solve for gravitational force exerted between two objects, you need a M1 & M2. If the M2 is the mass of earth, how do you solve it?

M1 = 48.5 kg
M2 = 5.9742 × 1024 kg
distance between objects (r) = 11712.137

I have the numbers, but don't know what to do with the "earth mass".
 
Physics news on Phys.org
plug into the formula:

F=GM(1)M(2)/R^2

simple as that.
 
for Earth's mass: 5.9742 × 10^24

you need to type into your calculator 5.9742 Exp 24

i.e type 5.9742
then the button marked 'Exp'
then enter 24

You should then see the number displayed on the calculator screen something like this 5.9742__24