Question

What is the gravitational force that the Sun exerts on Jupiter?

Answer 1

See below:

Explanation:

Using Newton's law of universal gravitation:

`F=G(Mm)/r^2`

All values taken here are from Wikipedia-but I've taken the mean value of the distance between Jupiter and the sun.

1 Astronomical unit=`1.5 times 10^11 m`

`G`=Gravitational constant= `6.67 times 10^-11`

Mean distance between Jupiter and the sun= `5.2 AU approx 7.8 times 10^11 m`

Mass of the Sun `approx 2.0 times 10^30kg`

Mass of Jupiter `approx 1.9 times 10^27 kg`

`F=((6.67 times 10^-11) times (2.0 times 10^30) times (1.9 times 10^27))/(7.8 times 10^11)^2`

(2 significant figures)

`F approx 4.2 times 10^23 N`

Is the force of attraction between Jupiter and the sun due to their masses.

Answer 2

The Sun exerts no force on Jupiter.

Explanation:

Gravity is not a force. Newton's laws approximate gravity as a force; Einstein proved that gravity is a consequence of mass and energy curving spacetime.

Jupiter is simply following a geodesic, which is the four dimensional equivalent of a straight line. It is simply following a curve in spacetime caused by the Sun's mass.