Planet density -- no idea what to do

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average density of the Earth, given its radius and the acceleration due to gravity at the surface. The problem involves concepts of gravitational acceleration and density within the context of a spherical planet of uniform density.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between density, gravitational acceleration, and the mass of the Earth. Some suggest using known formulas for density and gravity, while others question the necessity of considering an object inside the Earth.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing hints and guidance on relevant formulas, while others express confusion about the clarity of the original post and the structure of the problem. There is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster may need to clarify their question and structure their attempts more effectively. There are indications of missing information or unclear assumptions regarding the relevance of the object located inside the planet.

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Homework Statement


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Consider a spherical planet of uniform density ρ. The distance from the planet's center to its surface (i.e., the planet's radius) is Rp. An object is located a distance Rfrom the center of the planet, where R<Rp. (The object is located inside of the planet.)

Find a numerical value for ρearth, the average density of the Earth in kilograms per cubic meter. Use 6378km for the radius of the earth, G=6.67×10−11m3/(kg⋅s2), and a value of g at the surface of 9.80m/s2.
Express your answer to three significant figures.

Homework Equations



I answered the questions before this, and they go like this:

Find an expression for the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity, g(R), inside the planet.
Express the acceleration due to gravity in terms of ρ, R, π, and G, the universal gravitational constant.

4/3πGρRRewrite your result for g(R) in terms of gp, the gravitational acceleration at the surface of the planet, times a function of R.
Express your answer in terms of gp, R, and Rp.

R/Rp*gp

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
To be quite honest, I do not know what to do. I need step by step instructions and explanations of why I had to do things that I should have.
 
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Just a simples hints:
-What's the formula for density ?
-What is the formula of acceleration due to gravity ? I wonder if it's possible to take a "mass" from here?
Note: that R<Rp so the result may be bounded by 2 number(less or more,)
Hope That Help :p
 
Dear physicsquestion,

Please read your post before posting. It is unclear what your exercise is and it is unclear what your question is.
There are no relevant equations in the section by that name and there is no attempt at solution under the section by that name.

Read the guidelines, follow them (or at least a fair percentage :smile: ) and you'll get better assistance. You will also learn how to order your thoughts, which is a also very useful skill.
 
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physicsquestion said:
Find a numerical value for ρearth, the average density of the Earth in kilograms per cubic meter. Use 6378km for the radius of the earth, G=6.67×10−11m3/(kg⋅s2), and a value of g at the surface of 9.80m/s2.
Express your answer to three significant figures.

Given the problem statement, I don't see a need for the object inside the Earth. You are given the acceleration due to gravity at the surface, and the radius of the Earth. What is the mass of the Earth? What is the volume?
 

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