Regarding g forces on Moon and Earth

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing the maximum heights an object can reach when thrown upwards on the Moon versus the Earth, given different gravitational accelerations (1.6 m/s² for the Moon and 9.8 m/s² for Earth). The original poster attempts to calculate these heights using a specific time duration and initial velocity assumptions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of time in calculating height, with some suggesting that the maximum height should be determined without a specified time. There are questions about the initial velocity and the correct equations to use for height calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out that the original calculations may not address the question correctly, suggesting that the focus should be on the maximum height rather than the distance traveled in a set time. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the relationship between initial velocity, gravitational acceleration, and maximum height.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the initial conditions, particularly the assumption that the initial velocity is zero, which some participants argue is incorrect for the context of the problem. The discussion also highlights the importance of using the correct equations for upward motion under gravity.

rum2563
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Homework Statement


For the same initial upward velocities, how many times higher will an object travel above the lunar surface (g=1.6 m/s^2) than above the surface of Earth? Assume air resistance is negligible.


Homework Equations


delta Y = v1y^2 X 10^2 + 1/2 X 9.8 m/s^2 X (10)^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I assumed that initial velocity should be zero for both Earth and Moon.
I specified time to be 10 seconds.

For Earth:
delta Y = 0 X 10^2 m/+ 1/2 X 9.8 m/s^2 X (100)
= 1/2 X 9.8 s^2 X (100)
= 490 m

For Moon:
delta Y = 0 X 10^2 m/+ 1/2 X 1.6 m/s^2 X (100)
= 1/2 X 1.6 s^2 X (100)
= 80 m

So am I doing this right? Because I think my final answer would be that the object would be 6 times higher above the lunar surface than the surface above the Earth.

Somebody please help me. Thanks.
 
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You do not want to know the ratio of heights at 10 seconds, you want to know the ratio of heights at the highest points.

HINT:At the highest points, what are the velocities of the objects? Also, since you don't have a time value, do you have some relation you can use that doesn't involve time?
 
rum2563 said:

Homework Statement


For the same initial upward velocities, how many times higher will an object travel above the lunar surface (g=1.6 m/s^2) than above the surface of Earth? Assume air resistance is negligible.


Homework Equations


delta Y = v1y^2 X 10^2 + 1/2 X 9.8 m/s^2 X (10)^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I assumed that initial velocity should be zero for both Earth and Moon.
I specified time to be 10 seconds.

For Earth:
delta Y = 0 X 10^2 m/+ 1/2 X 9.8 m/s^2 X (100)
= 1/2 X 9.8 s^2 X (100)
= 490 m

For Moon:
delta Y = 0 X 10^2 m/+ 1/2 X 1.6 m/s^2 X (100)
= 1/2 X 1.6 s^2 X (100)
= 80 m

So am I doing this right? Because I think my final answer would be that the object would be 6 times higher above the lunar surface than the surface above the Earth.

Somebody please help me. Thanks.
Well, yes, the object rises 6 times higher on the moon than on the earth, but you've arrived at that answer incorrectly using an incorrect equation for delta y , which should read delta y = Vo(t) - 1/2gt^2, and Vo is not 0, it is given that Vo= Vo in both cases). But rather than get involved with time, what is the equation that relates V, y, and g?.
 
Last edited:
ur answer is correct
 
rum2563 said:

Homework Statement


For the same initial upward velocities, how many times higher will an object travel above the lunar surface (g=1.6 m/s^2) than above the surface of Earth? Assume air resistance is negligible.


Homework Equations


delta Y = v1y^2 X 10^2 + 1/2 X 9.8 m/s^2 X (10)^2
Are you suggesting that gravity pulls things upward?


The Attempt at a Solution



I assumed that initial velocity should be zero for both Earth and Moon.
I specified time to be 10 seconds.
?? If the initial velocity of something thrown upward is 0, it won't go any distance up, either on the moon or earth!

For Earth:
delta Y = 0 X 10^2 m/+ 1/2 X 9.8 m/s^2 X (100)
= 1/2 X 9.8 s^2 X (100)
= 490 m

For Moon:
delta Y = 0 X 10^2 m/+ 1/2 X 1.6 m/s^2 X (100)
= 1/2 X 1.6 s^2 X (100)
= 80 m

So am I doing this right? Because I think my final answer would be that the object would be 6 times higher above the lunar surface than the surface above the Earth.

Somebody please help me. Thanks.
You are answering the wrong question. What you calculated here is the distance a dropped object will fall in 10 seconds on Earth or moon (taking positive y to be downward).You were asked how much farther upward an object will go on the moon rather than the Earth if thrown with the same upward velocity.

Taking positive y to be upward, v_0 to be the initial velocity, the formulas you need are:
v= v_0- gt
y= v_0 t- (g/2)t^2

An object will go upward until v= 0 and its maximum height will be y at that t. For each value of g, set v= 0 and solve the first equation for t. Then use that t to find y.
 
If you analyse the problem using energy, you will see that the maximum height is inversely proportional to g.

AM
 

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