Universal gravitation 6-determine strength of gravitational field

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the strength of the gravitational field on or near the surface of the moon, given its mass and radius. The context is within the subject area of universal gravitation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply various equations related to universal gravitation to calculate the gravitational field strength, specifically using the mass of the moon and the gravitational constant.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the original poster's calculations, while others suggest starting from more fundamental equations related to gravitational force and field strength. There is an acknowledgment of the correctness of the approach taken.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the application of multiple equations from the module on universal gravitation, indicating a range of approaches to the problem. The original poster seeks verification of their calculations.

dani123
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Homework Statement



The moon has a mass of approximately 7.34x1022kg and a radius of about 1785 km. Determine the strength of the gravitational field on or near the surface of the moon.

Homework Equations


I have made a list of equations that are relevant for this entire module on universal gravitation. So although there are many of them does not mean that they all apply in this circumstance. The ones relevant to this question will be placed in bold.

Kepler's 3rd law: (Ta/Tb)2=(Ra/Rb)3

motion of planets must conform to circular motion equation: Fc=4∏2mR/T2

From Kepler's 3rd law: R3/T2=K or T2=R3/K

Gravitational force of attraction between the sun and its orbiting planets: F=(4∏2Ks)*m/R2=Gmsm/R2

Gravitational force of attraction between the Earth and its orbiting satelittes: F=(4∏2Ke)m/R2=Gmem/R2

Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation: F=Gm1m2/d2

value of universal gravitation constant is: G=6.67x10-11N*m2/kg2

weight of object on or near Earth: weight=Fg=mog, where g=9.8 N/kg
Fg=Gmome/Re2

g=Gme/(Re)2

g=Gmp/(Rp)2

determine the mass of the Earth: me=g(Re)2/G

speed of satellite as it orbits the Earth: v=√GMe/R, where R=Re+h

period of the Earth-orbiting satellite: T=2∏√R3/GMe

Field strength in units N/kg: g=F/m

Determine mass of planet when given orbital period and mean orbital radius: Mp=4∏2Rp3/GTp2



The Attempt at a Solution



So for this one I did the following,

mmoon=7.34x1022kg
Rmoon=1785km=1785000m
G=6.67x10-11N*m2/kg2
g=?

So I used the equation highlighted above to determine the value of g and found g=1.54N/kg

If someone could please verify my answer and let me know if I went wrong anywhere that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much for your time and help:)
 
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It is correct. But I would have started from basic equations like g = F/m & F = GMm/R^{2} and derived g = GM/R^{2}.
 
Hi dani123!

Your working is correct. :smile:Edit : I see grzz beat me by a few seconds...
 
Its not a matter of who replied first because both of your replies are extremely appreciated! Thank you!
 

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