The Sun's Net Gravitational Force

In summary, the Sun rotates around the center of the Milky Way galaxy with a period of 200 million years. Its distance from the center is 2X10^20m. The net gravitational force on the Sun due to other stars in the galaxy can be found using the equation F=Gm1m2/r^2, where r is the distance between the Sun and the other stars. This force can also be calculated using the centripetal force formula, F=m*v^2/r, where v is the speed of the Sun's orbit. This force is necessary to keep the Sun in its orbit and is provided by the gravitational force.
  • #1
crazuiee
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Homework Statement


The milky way galaxy ( which includes the Sun) rotates about its center with a period of 200 million years. The Sun is 2X10^20m from the center of the galaxy.

What is the net gravitational force on the sun due to the other stars in the milky way galaxy?

Homework Equations


F= m*a
F=Gm1m2/r^2
a=v^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not even sure where to begin...
 
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  • #2
You are given the period for the Earth's orbit around the galaxy. Can you convert that into a speed so you can use
F = m*a = m*v^2/r?
This is the centripetal force necessary to hold the Earth in its orbit, and we know that force is provided by the gravitational force so that will be your final answer.
 
  • #3
Well this is about the Sun, I think I figured it out by finding the radial acceleration, and then plugging it into the F= m*a
 
  • #4
Problem from College Physics text, 3rd Ed., Giambattista, Richardson, and Richardson?
 

What is the Sun's net gravitational force?

The Sun's net gravitational force is the combined effect of all the gravitational forces exerted by the Sun on surrounding objects. This force is responsible for holding together the solar system and keeping planets in orbit around the Sun.

How is the Sun's net gravitational force calculated?

The Sun's net gravitational force is calculated using the universal law of gravitation, which states that the force between two objects is directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The equation for calculating this force is F = Gm1m2/r2, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between them.

How does the Sun's net gravitational force affect the motion of planets?

The Sun's net gravitational force is responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the Sun. This force acts as a centripetal force, pulling the planets towards the Sun and preventing them from flying off into space. The strength of this force depends on the mass of the planet and its distance from the Sun.

Does the Sun's net gravitational force affect all objects in the solar system?

Yes, the Sun's net gravitational force affects all objects in the solar system, regardless of their size or distance from the Sun. However, the strength of this force decreases with distance, so its effect on smaller, more distant objects may be relatively weaker compared to larger, closer objects.

Can the Sun's net gravitational force change over time?

Yes, the Sun's net gravitational force can change over time. As the Sun's mass decreases due to nuclear fusion, its gravitational force may weaken. However, this change is very gradual and would not have a significant impact on the motion of planets in the solar system.

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