Problems - Gravity & Mass of Earth & Moon

AI Thread Summary
Lunar gravity is only 1/6 that of Earth's, prompting questions about the Moon's mass relative to Earth, with options suggesting it could be 3 x 10^-3, 1 x 10^-2, 3/8, 1/3, or 3 times Earth's mass. The second question involves finding the point where gravitational fields from Earth and the Moon cancel each other out, with options including the center of the Earth, the center of mass, 50% between the two, 74% from Earth to Moon, or none of these. The user has struggled with formulas and their meanings but has successfully solved the first question and is attempting the second one independently. Clarification on the formulas and their components was requested earlier in the discussion. The conversation highlights the challenges of understanding gravitational concepts and calculations.
J7
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I'm completely stumped on 2 questions I have, I'm not even sure which formula's to use, I've tried many... any help??

1) Lunar gravity at the Moon's surface is only 1/6 as strong as what we experience on Earth. Since the diameter of the Moon is about 1/4 that of the Earth, the lunar mass is about :
a) 3 x 10^-3 times the Earth's mass
b) 1 x 10^-2 times the Earth's mass
c) 3/8 the Earth's mass
d) 1/3 of the Earth's mass
e) 3 times the Earth's mass


2) At what point between the Earth, mass M_E and the Moon, mass 0.0123 M_E will their gravitational fields cancel each other (i.e. at what point willa small mass experience zero net force?)
a) at the centre of the Earth
b) At the centre of mass of this sysytem
c) at a distance 50% between the two
d) At a distance 74% of the way from the Earth to the Moon
e) none of these


Any help to set me on track would be really appreciated! Thanks
 
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Which formulas have you tried out?
 
Many, but i have a feeling I'm using them incorrectly, and because I'm not exactly sure of what each thing in the formulas stands for, I can't substitute in for them.
 
All right, please write down a single formula you think is right.
Then, describe those quantities you know what means
Don't double post; stop the thread in Gen.Physics.
 
I figured the first one out, thanks anyway, I'm going to try the second one once more on my own
 
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