Universal Gravitation w/ Earth & Moon

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the Moon's mass relative to Earth's using the gravitational formula. It establishes that the Moon's gravity is 1/6 of Earth's and its radius is 1/4 that of Earth, leading to a derived mass ratio of 1/96. The calculations involve substituting these values into the gravitational equation, confirming the final result. Participants affirm the correctness of the calculations based on the given ratios. The conclusion emphasizes that the approach and results are accurate given the initial parameters.
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Homework Statement


The acceleration of gravity on the Moon is 1/6 what it is on Earth. The radius of the Moon is 1/4 that of the Earth. What is the Moon's mass compared to the Earth's?

Homework Equations


F_g = \frac{GMm} {r^2}
=> mg = \frac{GMm} {r^2}
=> g = \frac{GM} {r^2}
=> M = \frac{gr^2} {G}

The Attempt at a Solution


gravity on the Moon is 1/6 what it is on Earth => g => g/6
radius of the Moon is 1/4 that of the Earth =>r^2 => (r/4)^2 = r^2 / 16
M = \frac{(\frac{g}{6}\frac{r^2}{16})} {G} = \frac{(\frac{gr^2}{96})} {G} = \frac{gr^2}{96G}

The Moon's mass compared to the Earth's is 1/96.

Did I divide and bring the G up correctly?

Thank-you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You can google the moon fact sheet to check :)

All the ratios you want are also there !
Considering you only have these numbers 4 and 6 to begin with, you have done just fine.
 
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