What Is the Net Force on the Moon During Eclipses?

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SUMMARY

The net force on the Moon during eclipses is calculated using the gravitational force formula Fg = G x M1 x M2 / D², where G is the gravitational constant. In the discussion, the masses of the star (Sun), planet (Earth), and moon are provided, along with their distances. The user attempted to calculate the net gravitational force during a solar eclipse but received an incorrect result, indicating potential errors in distance calculations or force sign conventions. Correctly applying the gravitational formula and ensuring accurate distance measurements are crucial for determining the net force accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force calculations using Fg = G x M1 x M2 / D²
  • Knowledge of significant figures in scientific calculations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of solar and lunar eclipses
  • Basic understanding of mass and distance measurements in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the gravitational constant (G) and its application in force calculations
  • Learn about the specific alignments of celestial bodies during solar and lunar eclipses
  • Practice calculating net forces with varying distances and masses
  • Explore the impact of additional celestial bodies on gravitational calculations
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding gravitational forces during celestial events like eclipses will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


mass of star = 2.53 x 1030 kilograms
mass of planet = 5.25 x 1024 kilograms
mass of moon = 8.09 x 1022 kilograms
average distance from star to planet = 1.14 x 1011 meters
average distance from planet to moon = 4.59 x 108 meters

Use the data above to determine the net force exerted on the moon by the planet and the star during:
a. a solar eclipse.
WebAssign will check your answer for the correct number of significant figures. wrong check mark N
b. a lunar eclipse.
WebAssign will check your answer for the correct number of significant figures. wrong check mark N


Homework Equations


Fg=G x M1 x M2/Dsquared
Note that the lineup for a solar eclipse is Sun-Moon-Earth
A lunar eclipse lineup is Sun-Earth-Moon
This I am sure of.

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt was to find the netforce of gravity on the moon.
Here is my work which produced a wrong answer.
a) Fgrav,net=Gm(moon)M(sun)/Dsquared(the distance between the star and the planet- the distance between the planet and the moon) - GM(moon)M(earth)/dsquared
Perhaps I added the distances wrong- but I know when the moon is in the middle I will have opposite signs for the forces from each planet and the lunar eclipse should produce. I got 9.18E20 rounded for my answer to part a. Any ideas? Am i using the distance wrong? Any similar answers? Any other forces to be accounted for in the net sum? Thanks.
 
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It looks like you are using the correct approach. Can you write out your math steps to make it easier to check them?
 

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