The problem involves calculating the weight of a rover on Earth and Mars using the universal law of gravitation. It provides specific values for the mass and diameter of Mars relative to Earth, along with the gravitational acceleration on Earth.
There is ongoing exploration of the problem, with some participants providing guidance on using the gravitational formula. Several interpretations of how to approach the calculations are being discussed, and some participants have shared their calculated weight on Earth, indicating progress in the discussion.
Participants mention the urgency of understanding the problem for an upcoming exam, which may influence their approach to finding solutions. There is a focus on understanding the implications of the mass and radius ratios between Earth and Mars.
Dick said:I think you should look up the values for the mass of the Earth and radius of the Earth and the constant G. Then you should have some numbers to plug into your equation. Try doing that.
darlingdarlin said:i'm trying to understand this problem for my exam tomorrow so i don't think finding those would actually help me...do you know how to do a ratio with it
i did it before but now i forgot how i did it correctly and i can't get the answers that i was supposed to get
Dick said:Ok, the first one should be easy. What does it weigh on earth?
darlingdarlin said:i got 5.15 x 10^3 N
dick said:ok. So f_earth= g [(m_earth)(m2)]/ (r_earth)^2=5145n. F_mars= g [(m_mars)(m2)]/ (r_mars)^2. M_mars=0.11*m_earth. R_mars=0.54*r_earth. How does that change the weight? Since m_mars is less than m_earth that decreases it by a factor. What factor? Since r_mars is less than r_earth that increases it by a factor. What factor?