Gravitational field of the moon

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The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by the Moon's gravitational field on a 1100 kg meteor impacting its surface. The formula used is W=GMm/r, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the Moon's mass, m is the meteor's mass, and r is the distance from the center of the Moon. An initial calculation yields approximately 2.9 X 10^9 joules, but there is a suggestion to verify the radius of the Moon, which should be 1.7 X 10^6 meters instead of 1.5 X 10^6 meters. This adjustment could lead to a more accurate result for the work done. Accurate values are crucial for precise calculations in gravitational physics.
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[SOLVED] gravitational field

Homework Statement


How much work is done by the Moon's gravitational field as a 1100kg meteor comes in from outer space and impacts on the Moon's surface?


Homework Equations



W=GMm/r

The Attempt at a Solution



W=6.67 X 10^-11(6 X 10^22)(1100kg)/1.5 X 10^6
=2.9 X 10^9

Thank you very much
 
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You should be getting the correct answer as long as the numbers you're using are correct. Check that value for the radius of the moon. Shouldn't it be 1.7*10^6 m? If so, your answer may be off a little bit.
 
Thank you very much

Regards
 

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