Weight Away from Earth's Surface [CONCEPT-NO MATH]

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When calculating weight at distances away from Earth's surface, the total distance (d) is measured from the Earth's center, not just the surface. For example, at 6.38x10^3 km from the surface, the distance is 2rE, and at 1.28x10^4 km, it is 3rE, where rE is Earth's radius. The gravitational force formula F = mAmB/d^2 applies, indicating that the force decreases with the square of the distance from the center of the Earth. This clarification helps understand why the distances are expressed as rE plus the additional height. The key takeaway is that gravitational calculations must consider the total distance from the Earth's center.
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Homework Statement



When calculating weights away from Earth's surface, for example:

At 6.38x10^3 km away from Earth's surface a spacecraft s weight is d=rE+rE or 2rE
Then F=(1/4)(SpaceCraftWeight)

What I don't understand is why the distance is rE+rE?

Or when 1.28x10^4 km away
d=rE+2rE or 3rE ?

I'm also assuming since F=mAmB/d^2
That's why F= (1/(x^2)(W) ?
 
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SigFig said:

Homework Statement



When calculating weights away from Earth's surface, for example:

At 6.38x10^3 km away from Earth's surface a spacecraft s weight is d=rE+rE or 2rE
Then F=(1/4)(SpaceCraftWeight)

What I don't understand is why the distance is rE+rE?

Or when 1.28x10^4 km away
d=rE+2rE or 3rE ?

I'm also assuming since F=mAmB/d^2
That's why F= (1/(x^2)(W) ?

Because the d in F=mAmB/d^2 is the distance from the center of the earth. Not the distance to the Earth's surface.
 
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