- #1
PsychonautQQ
- 784
- 10
I posted this in the intro section and realized the answer might be more difficult than anticipated, sorry I won't double post anymore X_x
1. Homework Statement
The effect of gravity on a point mass is given as F(r), where r is the radius between the point mass and the Earth's center. If you could place the point mass at R/2, where R is the radius of the earth, what would the relationship be between F(R)/F(R/2)2. Homework Equations
Fg = Gm1m2 / r^23. The Attempt at a Solution
I tried just plugging 1/2R and R and getting of course 4 since the radius is squared, but the correct answer is suppose to be 2. I realized the flaw in my logic was that if the point mass was half way to the center of the earth, then some of the Earth's mass would be pulling in the opposite direction as the stuff still "under" it. Help please :D
1. Homework Statement
The effect of gravity on a point mass is given as F(r), where r is the radius between the point mass and the Earth's center. If you could place the point mass at R/2, where R is the radius of the earth, what would the relationship be between F(R)/F(R/2)2. Homework Equations
Fg = Gm1m2 / r^23. The Attempt at a Solution
I tried just plugging 1/2R and R and getting of course 4 since the radius is squared, but the correct answer is suppose to be 2. I realized the flaw in my logic was that if the point mass was half way to the center of the earth, then some of the Earth's mass would be pulling in the opposite direction as the stuff still "under" it. Help please :D
Last edited: