Calculating Gravitational Force Between Earth & 2.6-kg Object

[Cloudy789]

Homework Statement

Calculate the magnitude of the gravitational force between the Earth and a 2.600-kg mass on the surface of the earth. The distance to the center of the Earth from the surface is 6370 km and the mass of the Earth is 5.98e+24 kg. HINT: This problem should take you about 5 seconds to solve. If you use G to answer this problem, you are not thinking.

M object = 2.6 kg
M Earth = 5.98 X10+24
G constant = 9.81 m/s^2
Distance between masses = 6,370,000 m

Homework Equations

F = G[(M1*M2)/r^2)]

The Attempt at a Solution

9.81[(2.6*5.98e+24)/(6,370,000^2)]
9.81[(1.5548e+25)/(4.05769e+13)]
9.81(3.832e+11)
3.7589e+12 N

Yet, Capa says this is wrong and I can't think of another way to do this. Especially not without the G Constant.

 

[Pengwuino]

This should take 5 seconds to solve as the problem stated.

F = ma

What is a? When one says F = mg, where g is the gravitational acceleration, what is the force acting upon?

 

[Cloudy789]

Wow... I am truly an idiot.
Thank you.

 

[stsraz]

Ok, so I'm working on the same problem and feel like a complete moron because I don't see what you're getting at... could someone give me a bit more information so I can understand where this problem is heading... thanks.

 

[rwisz]

I would suggest double-checking your calculations and also considering the units of your answer. The gravitational force is typically measured in Newtons (N), not meters (m). Additionally, you may want to review the formula for calculating gravitational force, as it should include the G constant. It is an important constant in physics and cannot be disregarded in this calculation. I would also recommend converting all the units to SI units (kilograms, meters, seconds) to ensure accuracy in your calculation. Finally, I would suggest using scientific notation or a calculator to avoid any potential rounding errors in your calculation. Overall, it is important to pay attention to details and be precise in scientific calculations.