Solving the mass of the Earth using 17th and 18th Century tools

  • Thread starter Thread starter Johnnymac
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Earth Mass Tools
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of the Earth using 17th and 18th Century tools, specifically leveraging Newton's law of universal gravitation and Kepler's laws. The formula G(M/r²) = g is central to the calculations, where 'g' represents gravitational acceleration, 'M' is the mass of the Earth, and 'r' is the Earth's radius. Participants highlight the importance of measuring the gravitational constant (G) and suggest using the mass of another celestial body, such as the Moon, to facilitate the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Familiarity with Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g)
  • Basic principles of celestial mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods to measure the gravitational constant (G) using historical techniques
  • Study the historical context and applications of Newton's and Kepler's laws
  • Explore the calculations of Earth's radius using ancient astronomical methods
  • Investigate the mass of the Moon and its relevance in gravitational calculations
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, historians of science, educators, and anyone interested in the historical methods of calculating planetary mass and gravitational forces.

Johnnymac
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Solving the mass of the Earth using 17th and 18th Century tools...

Good afternoon, morning, evening everyone...

I am looking for a little guidance on how to solve for the mass of the Earth utilizing only tools and theories available to people in the 17th and 18th Century.

I have Newton's and Keplar's laws available...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
G\frac{M}{r^2}=g
Telescope was invented already, so r is available. g - also isn't big problem. The most difficult thing is to measure G. But there are some ways. This data is enough.
 
What does having a telescope have to do with finding r, the radius of the earth? That as calculated about a thousand years before the telescope was invented, wasn't it?
 
Yes. It really was (if i remember correctly, even 2 thousand years before). Just when i started to think how to measure r, telescope was my first idea. If i lived in 18th century i would use it.
Sorry, i wasn't presice.
 
Thank you both! Here's to solving!
 
Several centuries ago, the radius of the Earth was found using the angles of the Sun rays formed on Earth. To find the mass you will probably have to use g=(G.m1.m2)/r^2. This means you will need the mass of another body, like the moon.

Not sure how else you could find the Mass of the earth.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
10K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
6K