Centripetal force exerted on Earth

In summary, the centripetal force exerted on the Earth by the Sun can be calculated by using the Earth's mass, period of revolution, and average distance from the Sun. The correct calculation yields a value of 3.56775 × 10^22 N, which is option #1.
  • #1
electronicxco
8
0
Here is the problem and the choices:
Calculate the centripetal force exerted on
the Earth by the Sun. Assume that the period
of revolution for the Earth is 365.25 days,
the average distance is 1.5 × 10^8 km and the
Earth’s mass is 6 × 10^24 kg.
The choices are:
1. 3.56775 × 10^22 N
2. 2.66331 × 10^32 N
3. 7.24562 × 10^22 N
4. 1.62932 × 10^21 N
5. None of these
6. 3.56775 × 10^19 N
7. 4.6238 × 10^29 N
8. 1.28439 × 10^26 N
9. 7.24562 × 10^20 N
__________________________________________________
Here is the attempted solution ( got choice # 6 but it is not correct)

2πr=D
(2)(π)(1.5 * 10^8) = 942477796.1 m=D

D = VT
V = D/T
V = (942477796.1) / ( 365.25 * 24 * 60 * 60)
V = 29.86 m/s


F = MV^2 / R
F = (6 * 10^24)(29.86)^2 / (1.5 * 10^8)
F = 3.56775 * 10^19
 
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  • #2
electronicxco said:
Here is the problem and the choices:
Calculate the centripetal force exerted on
the Earth by the Sun. Assume that the period
of revolution for the Earth is 365.25 days,
the average distance is 1.5 × 10^8 km and the
Earth’s mass is 6 × 10^24 kg.
The choices are:
1. 3.56775 × 10^22 N
2. 2.66331 × 10^32 N
3. 7.24562 × 10^22 N
4. 1.62932 × 10^21 N
5. None of these
6. 3.56775 × 10^19 N
7. 4.6238 × 10^29 N
8. 1.28439 × 10^26 N
9. 7.24562 × 10^20 N
__________________________________________________
Here is the attempted solution ( got choice # 6 but it is not correct)

2πr=D
(2)(π)(1.5 * 10^8) = 942477796.1 m=D
that ditance is in km, not m
D = VT
V = D/T
V = (942477796.1) / ( 365.25 * 24 * 60 * 60)
V = 29.86 m/s


F = MV^2 / R
F = (6 * 10^24)(29.86)^2 / (1.5 * 10^8)
F = 3.56775 * 10^19
looks like your off by a factor of 1000. Simple units error.
 
  • #3
wow..thanks for catching my mistake!
 

Related to Centripetal force exerted on Earth

1. What is centripetal force exerted on Earth?

Centripetal force exerted on Earth is the force that keeps objects on the Earth's surface in circular motion. It is a result of the Earth's rotation and the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon.

2. How is the centripetal force exerted on Earth calculated?

The centripetal force exerted on Earth can be calculated using the formula F = mv²/r, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the circular motion.

3. What causes the centripetal force exerted on Earth?

The centripetal force exerted on Earth is caused by the Earth's rotation and the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon. The Earth's rotation creates a centrifugal force that is balanced by the gravitational pull, resulting in the circular motion of objects on the Earth's surface.

4. How does the centripetal force exerted on Earth affect the Earth's shape?

The centripetal force exerted on Earth causes the Earth to bulge slightly at the equator and flatten at the poles. This is due to the centrifugal force created by the Earth's rotation, which is greater at the equator than at the poles.

5. Can the centripetal force exerted on Earth change over time?

The centripetal force exerted on Earth can change over time due to various factors such as changes in the Earth's rotation speed or changes in the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon. However, these changes are very small and may not be noticeable on a human timescale.

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