Where Is Zero Gravity Between Earth and Moon?

In summary, the distance where there is no gravitational force acting on an object between Earth and the moon can be found by equating the gravitational forces of Earth and the moon and solving for the distance. This distance is not simply 1/6 of the total distance between the two bodies, but can be found using the equation for gravitational force. The final answer is 1/10 of the total distance starting from the center of the moon.
  • #1
nilic1
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0
Where on an imaginary gravitational field line between Earth and moon, a mass would have no weight neither due Earth nor due to moon?
 
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  • #2
If you mean when the gravitational force is zero, then you just need to equate

FEarth and FMoon for a mass m and solve for the distance.
 
  • #3
rock.freak667 said:
If you mean when the gravitational force is zero, then you just need to equate

FEarth and FMoon for a mass m and solve for the distance.

Thanks for your reply. This was meant to be a straight forward answer without any calculation.
Since the gravity of the moon is 1/6 that of Earth , does it follow that the distance where there is no gravity on the object is 1/6 the distance between moon and Earth, starting off from the moon?
 
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  • #4
No, that 1/6 figure is only true about the surface gravity of the Earth vs. the surface gravity of the moon. It is not applicable everywhere in space.

I think you really do need to set up an equation using the equation for gravitational force. At least, I can't imagine solving it any other way.
 
  • #5
Redbelly98 said:
No, that 1/6 figure is only true about the surface gravity of the Earth vs. the surface gravity of the moon. It is not applicable everywhere in space.

I think you really do need to set up an equation using the equation for gravitational force. At least, I can't imagine solving it any other way.

Thanks for you answer. I did as you both suggested. The final answer is 1/10 the total distance starting from the centre of the moon.

Regards
 

FAQ: Where Is Zero Gravity Between Earth and Moon?

What is a gravitational field line?

A gravitational field line is an imaginary line that represents the direction and strength of the gravitational force at different points in a gravitational field. It is drawn as a series of arrows pointing towards the center of mass of the object creating the field.

How are gravitational field lines related to the strength of gravity?

The closer the gravitational field lines are to each other, the stronger the gravitational force is at that point. Conversely, the farther apart the field lines are, the weaker the gravitational force is.

How do gravitational field lines behave near a planet or other massive object?

Near a planet or other massive object, gravitational field lines are closer together and more concentrated, indicating a stronger gravitational force. As you move farther away from the object, the field lines become more spread out and weaker.

Can gravitational field lines be used to predict the behavior of objects in a gravitational field?

Yes, gravitational field lines can be used to predict the behavior of objects in a gravitational field. Objects will follow the path of the field lines, moving towards the center of mass of the object creating the field.

How do gravitational field lines differ from electric field lines?

Electric field lines represent the direction and strength of electric fields, while gravitational field lines represent the direction and strength of gravitational fields. Additionally, electric field lines can be positive or negative, while gravitational field lines are always positive and point towards the center of mass of the object creating the field.

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