Earth and Sun - Gravity problem

In summary, Earth orbits the sun at a radius of approximately 1.5 x 10^11 m. The mass of the sun is 2.0 x 10^30 kg, and its density is 1/4 that of Earth. The equations used to calculate the Sun's mass and density are g = G*m/r^2 and Fg = G*m1*m2/r^2. The density comparison between the Sun and Earth can be determined by comparing their radii.
  • #1
ova5676
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Homework Statement


Earth is a satellite of the sun with an orbit radius of approximately 1.5 x 10^11 m.

a) What is the Sun's mass? **Answer:** 2.0 x 10^30 kg

b) If the Sun's radius is 6.96 x 10^8 m, how does the Sun's density compare with Earth's density? **Answer:** Psun = 1/4 Pearth

Homework Equations



g = G*m/r^2 and Fg = G*m1*m2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



a) So G*m1*m2/r^2

G*(m of the earth)*(mass of the sun)/radius^2

I put these values in but didn't get the answer?

b) I don't know how to do this one? Would I just see what fraction of the Sun's radius is the Earth's and that's similar to the density?
 
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  • #2
What things do you know about the Earth's orbit? What can you calculate?
 

FAQ: Earth and Sun - Gravity problem

How does gravity affect the Earth's orbit around the sun?

Gravity is the force that keeps the Earth in its orbit around the sun. The sun's immense mass creates a gravitational pull that keeps the Earth in a stable orbit. If there was no gravity, the Earth would continue in a straight line and move out into space.

Why is the Earth's orbit around the sun not a perfect circle?

The Earth's orbit around the sun is not a perfect circle because of the influence of other planets and objects in the solar system. Their gravitational pull causes the Earth's orbit to slightly deviate from a circular shape, resulting in an elliptical orbit.

Does the Earth's distance from the sun affect its gravity?

Yes, the Earth's distance from the sun does affect its gravity. The force of gravity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between two objects. This means that as the Earth moves closer to the sun during its orbit, the force of gravity increases, and as it moves further away, the force of gravity decreases.

Can the Earth's gravity affect the sun?

Although the Earth has a strong gravitational pull, it is not significant enough to affect the mass of the sun. The sun's immense size and mass make it the dominant force in the solar system, and the Earth's gravity is only a small fraction of the sun's overall gravitational pull.

How does the Earth's gravity affect other objects in the solar system?

The Earth's gravity affects other objects in the solar system by exerting a force on them. The strength of this force depends on the mass and distance between the Earth and the object. The Earth's gravity is responsible for keeping the moon in its orbit and influencing the orbits of other planets and objects in the solar system.

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