What is the gravitional acceleration near the surface of the star?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The gravitational acceleration near the surface of a neutron star can be calculated using the formula g_star = G * M / R^2, where G is the gravitational constant (6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2), M is the mass of the neutron star (1.99e+030 kg), and R is the radius (10.8 km). This results in an extremely high gravitational acceleration due to the star's dense mass and small radius. The discussion also touches on gravitational calculations related to the moon and Earth, emphasizing the need to apply the correct formulas for accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational physics and formulas
  • Familiarity with the gravitational constant (G)
  • Knowledge of mass and radius in astrophysical contexts
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the gravitational constant (G) and its applications in astrophysics
  • Learn about the properties and characteristics of neutron stars
  • Study gravitational acceleration calculations for different celestial bodies
  • Explore the concept of weight variation with distance from Earth and other planets
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in understanding the gravitational effects of dense celestial objects like neutron stars.

missfearless017
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Neutron stars are extremely dense objects with a mass comparable to the mass of the sun but a radius of only several thousand meters. Consider a neutron star of mass M = 1.99e+030 kg and a radius of R = 10.8 km.

What is the gravitational acceleration near the surface of the star?

I tried using the equation gstar = G * mass / diameter^2 but that didn't work.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You should be calculating the strength of the field (the acceleration) from the centre of the neutron star.
 
ok here's another one.

the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the moon is 1.622 m/s^2. An object weighs 9.8333 N on the moon (mass is 6.01427 kg). How many Earth radii must this same object be from the surface of the Earth if it is to weigh the same as it does on the surface of the moon?

I tried to calculate this one with g(moon) = G(mass of earth)/(nr)^2 but it didn't work.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K