Physics: Gravitational Force Circular Motion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving physics problems related to gravitational force and circular motion. For part A, the acceleration due to gravity at 1500 km altitude is calculated using the formula a = (GM)/r^2, incorporating the Earth's mass and radius. In part B, the challenge is to find the point between the Earth and the Moon where gravitational forces cancel, suggesting a balance of forces at a specific distance from the Earth's center. Part C involves determining the orbital radius of Ceres, using the relationship between gravitational force and orbital motion, leading to the formula r = (GMT^2)/(4π^2). The participants seek clarification and assistance in applying these equations correctly.
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Homework Statement



A.) What is the acceleration due to gravity at an altitude of 1500 km above the Earth's surface. Neglect the effect of the Earth's rotation. The Earth's radius is 6378100 m and its mass is 5.98 * 10^{24}kg.

B.) The moon has a mass of 7.35 * 10^{22} kg and is located 3.84 * 10^{8} m from the Earth (center to center). At some point between the Earth and the Moon, the gravitational force due to the Earth on any object cancels the gravitational force due to the Moon. Where is that position, relative to the center of the Earth?

C.) The asteroid belt consists of so many particles, we haven't counted them all yet. However, more than half of the mass of the belt is contained in the four largest asteroids. The largest - Ceres - takes 4.6 years on average to circle the Sun. What is the orbital radius of Ceres in meters.

1 year = 365 days, 1 day=24 hours, 1 hour=3600 seconds

Homework Equations



F=(GMm)/r^{2}
F=ma
a=v^{2}/r
v=(2\pir)/T
G=6.67 * 10^{-11}
Sun's Mass = 1.99 * 10^{30}

The Attempt at a Solution



A.) (GMm)/r^{2}=(mv^{2})/r
the m's cancel out and you are left with a (which was equal to v^{2}/r) = (Gm)/r^{2}
so a = \underline{(6.67*10^{-11})(5.98 * 10^{24} } (1500+6378100)

B.) I really don't understand what this question is asking. I think that it means that there is a place between the moon and the Earth that an object has no gravity. Would that mean that
(GM_{earth}m)/r^{2}_{x} = (GM_{moon}m)/r^{2}_{x} then everything just cancels out.

C.) (GMm)/r^{2}=(mv^{2})/r the m's cancel out. Then you replace v^2 with \underline{4\pi^{2}r}/T^{2}. And then you move the r to the other side. So

r=\sqrt[3]{GMT^{2}}/ \sqrt[3]{4\pi^{2}}


Thanks for any help.
 
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Sorry, for my attempt

A.) a=(GM)/r^2

C.) r=the cube root of [(GMT^2)/4pi^2)]
 
for C.) v=(2 pi r)/T so v^2 = (4 pi^2 r^2)/T^2
 
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