Universal law of gravitation(variables)

  • Thread starter Thread starter captainsmith1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Law Universal
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 2K views
captainsmith1
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A planet has twice the mass of earth, but both planets share the same acceleration of gravity. The radius of the new planet in terms of the radius R of Earth is...?


Homework Equations


F=G(m1m2/r2), G being the universal gravitation constant


The Attempt at a Solution


i think you have to manipulate the equation in some way but i can't figure out what to do first.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
From N's law, you have:

[tex] G\frac{Mm}{r^2} = ma_g[/tex]

Because Earth and planet have same acceleration of gravity => a_g(E) = a_g(P) => relationship between masses and radii => radius of planet.