An object has a mass of 100 kg on the moon. What is the force of gravity acting on the object on the moon?

1 Answer
Morgan
Aug 13, 2017

#F_G~~163" N"# (downward)

Explanation:

The equation for the force of gravity acting on a stationary object at or near the surface of a body is given by:

#F_G=mg#

Where #g# is the gravitational acceleration constant, which varies depending on the mass and radius of the body in question. This constant is equal to #9.81" m"//"s"^2# on Earth, but only #1.625" m"//"s"^2# on the moon.

#g=(GM)/(R+d)^2#

where #G# is the gravitation constant (which is truly constant), #M# is the mass of the body, #R# is the radius of the body, and #d# is the distance from the object to the surface of the body.

We have the following information:

  • #|->m=100" kg"#
  • #|->g_("moon")=1.625 "m"//"s"^2#

Therefore:

#F_G=(100" kg")(1.625" m"//"s"^2)#

#=162.5" N"#

#~~color(darkblue)(163" N")# (downward)

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