Newton's Law of Gravity question

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an astronaut jumping on an unknown planet with a specified radius and initial speed, aiming to determine the planet's mass based on the jump height achieved. The context is rooted in Newton's law of gravity and gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of gravitational acceleration using the kinematic equation and question the validity of the resulting value in relation to the planet's radius. There is a suggestion to consider the relationship between gravitational acceleration, mass, and radius.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the calculated acceleration and its connection to the planet's mass. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of Newton's law of gravitation and considerations about the planet's density.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential differences in density compared to Earth, which may influence the interpretation of the results. The original poster expresses confusion about the calculated acceleration in relation to the planet's physical characteristics.

cyspope
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Homework Statement


An astronaut lands on an unknown planet with a radius of 3560 m. When she jumps upward with an initial speed of 3.00m/s she rises to a height of 0.50 m. What is the mass of the planet?


Homework Equations



vf2 = v02 + 2a[tex]\Delta[/tex]X


The Attempt at a Solution



In order to find the acceleration(gravity of the planet in this case) of the astronaut, I used following formula.

vf2 = v02 + 2a[tex]\Delta[/tex]X

If I solve for 'a', then I get

a = (vf2-vo2) / 2[tex]\Delta[/tex]X

I pluged in the numbers,

a = (9m/s) / 2(0.5 m) = 9 m/s2

which doesn't make sense because the radius of the planet is only 3560 m.

please help me what to do next.
 
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cyspope said:

Homework Statement


An astronaut lands on an unknown planet with a radius of 3560 m. When she jumps upward with an initial speed of 3.00m/s she rises to a height of 0.50 m. What is the mass of the planet?


Homework Equations



vf2 = v02 + 2a[tex]\Delta[/tex]X


The Attempt at a Solution



In order to find the acceleration(gravity of the planet in this case) of the astronaut, I used following formula.

vf2 = v02 + 2a[tex]\Delta[/tex]X

If I solve for 'a', then I get

a = (vf2-vo2) / 2[tex]\Delta[/tex]X

I pluged in the numbers,

a = (9m/s) / 2(0.5 m) = 9 m/s2

which doesn't make sense because the radius of the planet is only 3560 m.

please help me what to do next.

Newton's law of gravitation gives the acceleration at a given radius from the center of a given spherical mass. You have the acceleration and the radius so find the mass.

Remember the density needn't be the same as Earth's if that is what worries you. Maybe the planet has more metal in its core.
 
cyspope said:
I pluged in the numbers,

a = (9m/s) / 2(0.5 m) = 9 m/s2

which doesn't make sense because the radius of the planet is only 3560 m.
Why doesn't it make sense?

Hint: You found the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the planet. How does that relate to the mass and radius of the planet?
 
thank you everyone
 

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