Solve Net Gravitational Force Problem: Earth-Moon Distance

AI Thread Summary
To determine the distance from Earth where the net gravitational force on a spaceship is zero, the Universal Law of Gravitation is applied. The user initially struggles with the mass of the spaceship being unknown and attempts to set the gravitational forces from Earth and the Moon equal to each other. However, they encounter a negative value under a square root in their calculations, indicating a possible error. Another participant confirms that the approach is correct and encourages the user to share their calculations for further assistance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of careful computation in solving gravitational force problems.
CinderBlockFist
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Hey all, I am stuck on this problem.

A spaceship is ona straight line path between Earth and its mon. At what distance from Earth is the net gravitational force on the spaceship zero?



Well, when I try to use the Universal law of gravitation. F=G(m1)(m2)/r^2, I could find the distance if only I knew the mass of the spaceship, but it is not given. So, I tried to set 2 equations equal, one using the moon, and one using the earth, since the forces would cancel on the spaceship, making it 0. But when i do the computations, I get a negative under a root symbol. Is this the correct approach? Am i missing something here? THanks in advance.
 
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Your second method is the correct one.Please post your calculations,as to figure out what u're doing wrong...


Daniel.
 
Ok, thanks dex, it's kind of lengthy, so since i know this is the correct approach, I'll try to do it more carefully and see what I get, thanks for the quick response.
 
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