Newton's law of gravity problem

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The discussion focuses on calculating the gravitational attraction between a 7-kg tool and a 21-metric ton space station, specifically how much closer the tool will drift towards the station in two hours. The user outlines their approach, which involves calculating gravitational force, acceleration, and distance using Newton's law of gravity. A mistake is identified where the user incorrectly multiplied the mass of the tool twice in their calculations. A correction is suggested to fix this error for an accurate final answer. The thread emphasizes the importance of careful application of formulas in gravitational physics problems.
J.live
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Homework Statement


After a spacewalk, a 7-kg tool is left 54 m from the center of gravity of a 21-metric ton space station, orbiting along with it. How much closer to the space station will the tool drift in two hours due to the gravitational attraction of the space station?

Homework Equations



Gravitational Constant : 6.674 X 10^-11 -->G

The Attempt at a Solution



1 - Finding gravitational force =G x 7 x 21,000 / 54^2 = Mt ( tool mass ) a

2 - Finding acceleration = (G x 7 x 21 , 000 / 54 ^2) x Mt = a

3 - Finding distance = Vf = Vi(0) + at ----> Vf = at

Final answer----> Vf^2 = Vi(0) + 2a ( d) ----> Vf^2 / 2a = d

This is just the procedure to solving the answer. I'll appreciate it, If someone can kindly point out my mistakes by showing work in response.
 
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Anyone ?
 
It looks good?
 
No. You multiplied twice with the mass of the tool. ehild
 
ehilds right you multiplied twice, fix that and your answer is correct.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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