What is the mutual gravitational force between the Moon and the Sun at 1AU?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the gravitational force between the Moon and the Sun at a distance of 1 AU. The user seeks clarification on how to apply the gravitational force formula, F = G(M1M2/R^2), specifically for the forces acting on each body. It is emphasized that the gravitational force exerted by the Sun on the Moon is equal to the force exerted by the Moon on the Sun, in accordance with Newton's Third Law of Motion. The user expresses confusion about obtaining the force of one body on the other using the given equation. The conversation highlights the mutual nature of gravitational forces between celestial bodies.
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Hello! I came across this website on my quest to find an answer to this physics problem. I read a topic that was a similar problem, but it didn't address my question in particular. So now I'm posting my problem specifically, and thank you in advance for any help!

Homework Statement


a. What is the gravitational force on the Moon from the Sun?
b. What is the gravitational force on the Sun from the Moon?
Use 1AU as distance between the Moon and Sun.

Msun = 1.989 x 10^30 kg
Mmoon = 7.35 x 10^22 kg
1AU = 1.4960 x 10^11 m
G = 6.67 x 10^-11

Homework Equations



<br /> F = \frac{G M_1 M_2}{R^2}<br />

The Attempt at a Solution



When using the above equation, I am only able to get the TOTAL gravitational force between objects, not the force of one on the other.

Is there another equation I must use or is there some way to rearrange the variables to get what I want?THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!
 
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F_m_1 = \frac{Gm_2}{r^2}
 
Last edited:
The force of the Sun on the Moon is equal to the force of the Moon on the Sun, and that force is given by the equation you quote.
The equation is saying that the force is mutual (double ended) as in Newton's 3rd Law of Motion.
 

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