What is the Correct Way to Calculate the Period of Io?

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SUMMARY

The correct method to calculate the orbital period of Io, Jupiter's moon, involves using the gravitational force and the formula \( F_G = \frac{m_{Io}4\pi^2(R)}{T^2} \). The distance \( R \) should be the center-to-center distance from Jupiter to Io, which is 4.22 x 10^8 m. The mass of Jupiter is 1.90 x 10^27 kg, and the gravitational force calculated was 6.334 x 10^22 N. The radius of Jupiter is provided to clarify the context but does not factor into the calculation of \( R \) for this specific equation.

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[SOLVED] Universal Gravitation

Homework Statement



Jupiter's closest moon, Io has a mass of 8.90 x 10^22 kg. The mean radius of Jupiter is 6.99 x 10^7m, the mean distance from the center of Jupiter to the center of Io is 4.22 x 10^8m, and the mass of Jupiter is 1.90 x 10^27.

A) Determine the gravitational froce
B)Find the period of Io

The Attempt at a Solution



I solved for F_G and got = 6.334 x 10^22

Then I set up my equation like so:

F_G = \frac{m_{Io}4\pi^2(R)}{T^2}

My question is, for R in the above equation would I just use the distance between the center of masses, or the distance between the center of mass minus the radius of Jupiter? I am sure it is the center of masses, but why is Jupiter's radius in the problem then...
 
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Probably to tempt you to make the mistake of NOT using the center to center distance. Resist that temptation.
 
Tricky indeed. Thanks
 

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