Calculating Jupiter's Mass from Orbital Data

In summary, the conversation discusses using a formula to determine the mass of Jupiter based on the orbital period and radius of its satellite, Io. However, there were errors in the calculations, resulting in incorrect answers until the correct formula was used.
  • #1
BoldKnight399
79
0
Io, a satellite of Jupiter, has an orbital period of 1.43 days and an orbital radius of 4.35X10^5 km. From this data, determine the mass of Jupiter.

So step one: I cried.
then I tried to use the equation:
T^2=4(pi)^2/(GXMj) X R^3
thus
(123552)^2= (39.478)/(6.672X10^-11)(Mj) X (4.34X10^5)^3

35161.29=(39.478)/(6.672X10^-11)(Mj) X (8.17465X10^16)

Mj=1.3756X10^24

Apparently I was wrong...
Anyone have any ideas what I did to mess this up?
 
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  • #2
Hi BoldKnight399! :smile:

(please don't use X for "times" … either use * or nothing … oh and have a pi: π and try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)
BoldKnight399 said:
(123552)^2= (39.478)/(6.672X10^-11)(Mj) X (4.34X10^5)^3

35161.29=(39.478)/(6.672X10^-11)(Mj) X (8.17465X10^16)

I'm not sure what your fomula is :redface:, but anyway where did 35161.29 come from (did you take a square-root instead)?
 
  • #3
I just used the formula:
T^2=(4(Pi)^2/G*M)*R^3

and i have no idea what I did to get 35161.29 in addition, what do you mean about having pi=n?
 
  • #4
ok so I tried it then having the time correctly squared:
(1.526X10^10)=(39.478/(6.673*10^-11)(M)) * (8.321*10^16)
and i got that the Mass of Jupiter was 3.19*10^18

that was wrong. I don't understand what I am doing wrong
 
  • #5
(please use the X2 tag just above the Reply box)

Try using m instead of km ! :wink:

(oh, and it wasn't n, it was π :biggrin:)
 
  • #6
alright, so it became:
(1.526X10^10)=(39.478/(6.673*10^-11)(M)) * (8.321*10^19)
M=3.2259*10^21

still wrong. I thought I had everything right.
 
  • #7
erm :redface:

cubed? :smile:
 
  • #8
wow...I am not having a good physics day I guess. Thank you so much. I got:
3.16*10^27 and that was right.
 

1. How is Jupiter's mass calculated using orbital data?

Jupiter's mass is calculated by using the orbital period and radius of its moons, along with the gravitational constant and the mass of the moon. This formula, known as Kepler's Third Law, allows scientists to calculate the mass of a planet based on the gravitational pull it exerts on its moons.

2. Why is it important to calculate Jupiter's mass?

Calculating Jupiter's mass is important because it helps us understand the overall structure and composition of the planet. It also allows us to make predictions about its behavior and interactions with other celestial bodies in the solar system.

3. How accurate are the calculations of Jupiter's mass?

The calculations of Jupiter's mass are relatively accurate, with a margin of error of about 1%. However, this accuracy can vary depending on the quality and quantity of the orbital data used in the calculation.

4. Can the mass of Jupiter change over time?

Yes, the mass of Jupiter can change over time due to various factors such as the accretion of material from the surrounding gas and dust in the solar system, or the loss of mass through processes like atmospheric escape.

5. How does Jupiter's mass compare to other planets in the solar system?

Jupiter's mass is the largest among all the planets in the solar system, with a mass that is more than twice that of all the other planets combined. Its massive size is one of the reasons it is often referred to as the "king" of the planets.

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