How do I calculate the force of gravity on a 1-kg mass at Earth's surface?

In summary, to calculate the force of gravity on a 1-kg mass at Earth's surface, you can use Newton's law of gravity, which is F=G m1m2/d². The mass of Earth is 6.0 x 10^24 kg, its radius is 6.4 x 10^6 m, and the universal gravitational constant is 6.67300 × 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2. Simply plug these values into the formula and solve to find the force of gravity.
  • #1
LoveKnowledge
52
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1. Calculate the force of gravity on a 1-kg mass at Earth's surface. The mass of Earth is 6.0 x 10^24 kg, and its radius is 6.4 x 10^6 m.



2. F=G m1m2/d²



3. I am confused on how to solve this problem. I know the mass of Earth and its radius (the numbers needed to plug into the equation) but I am confused as I need to solve for the Universal Gravitational Contant as well? I am just confused with the different numbers and figures involved with this problem and would appreciate help if possible...thanks!
 
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  • #2
gravitational constant = 6.67300 × 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2
 
  • #3
How do I use the Gravitational Constant to solve this problem? For some reason it is confusing me very much...do I solve the problem in entire equational form or do I actually solve for the equations?
 
  • #4
All you need to do is plug the numbers into the formula (Newton's law of gravity) and use your calculator.
 
  • #5
K. This also includes the known for G (universal gravitational constant) correct? THx again...just confused on this for some reason
 
  • #6
LoveKnowledge said:
K. This also includes the known for G (universal gravitational constant) correct?
Sure. The formula includes the constant G, m1, m2, and d (which is the radius of the earth). You have all those values. Time to calculate!
 

FAQ: How do I calculate the force of gravity on a 1-kg mass at Earth's surface?

What is gravity?

Gravity is a force of attraction between two objects with mass. It is one of the four fundamental forces in the universe and is responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the sun and objects on Earth's surface.

How does gravity work?

Gravity works by pulling objects with mass towards each other. The strength of the force depends on the masses of the objects and the distance between them. The larger the mass and the closer the distance, the stronger the gravitational force.

Why do objects fall towards the Earth?

Objects fall towards the Earth because of its large mass. The Earth's mass creates a strong gravitational pull that pulls objects towards its center. This force is what keeps us on the ground and is also responsible for the motion of celestial bodies.

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Mass is the amount of matter an object contains, while weight is the force of gravity acting on an object. Mass is measured in kilograms (kg) while weight is measured in Newtons (N). Mass stays the same regardless of location, but weight can change depending on the strength of gravity.

How does gravity affect space and time?

According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, gravity is not just a force, but also a curvature of space and time. Massive objects, such as planets and stars, create a curvature in the fabric of space-time, causing objects to follow curved paths. This also means that time passes differently in areas with different levels of gravity.
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