Physics Gravitational Force Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the ratio of height (H) above a planet's surface to the planet's radius (R) when the weight of a probe decreases by one percent at that height. The gravitational force equations are established using the formula for true weight (Ft) and surface weight (Fs). The user is guided to manipulate the equations to express the ratio H/R in terms of the gravitational constants and the variables involved. The final steps involve algebraic manipulation to isolate the desired ratio.

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  • Understanding of gravitational force equations
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation techniques
  • Knowledge of the concepts of mass and weight in physics
  • Basic understanding of ratios and proportions
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  • Learn about the implications of weight changes at varying distances from a planetary surface
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Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying gravitational forces and their applications, as well as anyone interested in solving problems related to planetary motion and weight variations.

neoking77
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At a distance H above the surface of a plane, the true weight of a remote probe is one percent less than its true weight on the surface. The radius of the planet is R. Find the ratio H/R.

Work:
Let Mp be mass of planet and Ms be the mass of space probe

(true weight) Ft = GMpM/(r+h)^2

(surface weight) Fs = GMpM/r^2

Ft = GMpMs/r^2 - GMpMs/r^2(0.01)

Ft = GMpMs/r^2 - GMpMs/r^2(0.01) = GMpMs/(r+h)^2

i don't know where to go from here

thanks in advance.
 
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Multiply both sides by [itex]r^2[/itex] and write

[tex]\frac {r^2}{(r+h)^2}[/tex]

as

[tex]\frac {1}{\left(1 + \frac {h}{r}\right)^2}[/tex]

You should be able to handle the rest.
 
thank you very much for your help
 

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