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

Apr 23, 2018

See below:

#### Explanation:

Using Newton's law of universal gravitation:

$F = G \frac{M m}{r} ^ 2$

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= $5.2 A U \approx 7.8 \times {10}^{11} m$

Mass of the Sun $\approx 2.0 \times {10}^{30} k g$

Mass of Jupiter $\approx 1.9 \times {10}^{27} k g$

$F = \frac{\left(6.67 \times {10}^{-} 11\right) \times \left(2.0 \times {10}^{30}\right) \times \left(1.9 \times {10}^{27}\right)}{7.8 \times {10}^{11}} ^ 2$

(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.

Apr 24, 2018

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.