Question: What force will a 30 kg meteor experience at the same altitude?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the forces experienced by meteors at a specific altitude above the Earth's surface, particularly focusing on a 30 kg meteor and its relationship to gravitational acceleration. The subject area includes concepts of gravitational force and acceleration due to gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of altitude based on gravitational acceleration and question the relevance of mass in determining the force experienced by the meteor. There are discussions about the method of calculating gravitational force and the implications of mass in this context.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided feedback on calculations and interpretations, noting the importance of clarity in presenting results. Some have suggested alternative methods for calculating gravitational force, while others have acknowledged misinterpretations of the problem. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between mass and gravitational force.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential misunderstandings regarding the relevance of mass in the context of gravitational force, as well as the need for careful reading of the problem statement. The discussion reflects a mix of correct calculations and areas needing clarification.

MiniOreo1998
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Homework Statement


A 12 kg meteor experiences an acceleration of 7.2 m/s2, when falling towards the Earth.

A) How high above the Earths’ surface is the meteor?

B) What force will a 30 kg meteor experience at the same altitude?

Starting to get more comfortable with my calculations. If there are any blunders or things I could have done to make my work more clear, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Homework Equations


r = √ G m / g

The Attempt at a Solution


A)

r = √ G m / g

r = (6.67 x 10-11) (5.98 x 1024) / 7.2 = 7.4 x 106

7.4 x 106 - 6.38 x 106 = 1060

r = 1060 km

B)

Mass is irrelevant
 
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Well done - I had a slight hesitation there thinking it may be a terminal velocity problem but the distance is too great for that and the context all wrong.

A. finesse the long-answers by writing a sentence stating the result:
"the meteor is 1060km above the Earth's surface".

B. Mass is relevant - the acceleration of gravity does not depend on the mass but the question asks for force.
 
MiniOreo1998 said:
r = 1060 km
Right answer, but I would have calculated it using ratio to 9.8m/s2: ##(R+x)^2g_{R+x}=R^2g_R##
MiniOreo1998 said:
Mass is irrelevant
Read the question more carefully.
 
Simon Bridge said:
Well done - I had a slight hesitation there thinking it may be a terminal velocity problem but the distance is too great for that and the context all wrong.

A. finesse the long-answers by writing a sentence stating the result:
"the meteor is 1060km above the Earth's surface".

B. Mass is relevant - the acceleration of gravity does not depend on the mass but the question asks for force.

haruspex said:
Right answer, but I would have calculated it using ratio to 9.8m/s2: ##(R+x)^2g_{R+x}=R^2g_R##

Read the question more carefully.

Wow, completely misread the question. How embarrassing..

Then F = m a,
F = (30) (7.2)
F = 216 N [toward Earth]
 

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