Universal Gravitation questions

In summary, to figure out the force of gravity on an object 5 Earth radii above the Earth's surface, you can use the equation a_{grav} = \frac{GM}{r^2} where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the planet, and r is the distance from the center of the planet. However, this equation may not work for objects such as a spaceship, as its mass cannot be plugged into the equation. To find the acceleration due to gravity on a planet, you can use the same equation with the given radius and mass of the planet.
  • #1
jshaner858
20
0
1) if something is 5 Earth radii above the Earth's surface and you know its mass, how would you figure out force of gravity on it?

2)and given the radius and mass of a planet how would you be able to figure out the acceleration due to gravity on it?
 
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  • #2
jshaner858 said:
1) if something is 5 Earth radii above the Earth's surface and you know its mass, how would you figure out force of gravity on it?

2)and given the radius and mass of a planet how would you be able to figure out the acceleration due to gravity on it?

[tex]
a_{grav} = \frac{GM}{r^2}
[/tex]

where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the planet, and r is the distance from the center of the planet.
 
  • #3
that won't work for the first question...the object is a spaceship and there is nowhere in that equation to plug in its mass...
 
  • #4
nevermind i figured it out myself...thanks
 

Related to Universal Gravitation questions

1. What is universal gravitation?

Universal gravitation is a scientific principle that explains the force of attraction between all objects with mass in the universe. It states that every object in the universe exerts a force of attraction on every other object, and this force is directly proportional to the masses of the objects and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

2. Who discovered universal gravitation?

The concept of universal gravitation was first proposed by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century. He published his theory in his famous work Principia in 1687.

3. How does universal gravitation affect objects on Earth?

Universal gravitation is responsible for the force of gravity, which is what keeps objects on Earth from floating away into space. The mass of the Earth creates a gravitational pull that keeps objects, including humans, on its surface. It also affects the motion of objects, such as the orbit of the Moon around the Earth and the orbit of the Earth around the Sun.

4. Does universal gravitation only apply to objects in space?

No, universal gravitation applies to all objects with mass, regardless of their location in the universe. This means that it also affects objects on Earth, such as the force of gravity between two people standing next to each other.

5. How is universal gravitation related to Einstein's theory of relativity?

Einstein's theory of relativity expanded upon Newton's theory of universal gravitation by explaining that gravity is not just a force between objects, but rather the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass. This means that the more massive an object is, the more it curves the fabric of spacetime, causing other objects to be attracted to it. Einstein's theory also explains the behavior of gravity in extreme conditions, such as near black holes.

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