the gravitational force that earth exerts on the moon equals 2.03 x 10^20N. The moons mass is 7.35 x 10^22kg. What is the acceleration of the moon due to earth's gravitational pull?

Question

Gauge Goodman

Physics

29 September, 05:34

the gravitational force that earth exerts on the moon equals 2.03 x 10^20N. The moons mass is 7.35 x 10^22kg. What is the acceleration of the moon due to earth's gravitational pull?

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Answers (1)

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Jon Bender · Answer 1

The first time we read this, we think that we'll have to go look up a bunch of stuff about the gravitational constant, centripetal force, orbital mechanics, the Moon's period of revolution, and who knows whut owl!

But you know whut? The only thing we need is Newton's 2nd law:

F = m A

Divide each side by m:

Acceleration = Force / mass

Acceleration = (2.03 x 10²⁰ Newtons) / (7.35 x 10²² kg)

Acceleration = (2.03 x 10²⁰ / 7.35 x 10²² kg) (m/s²)

Acceleration = 0.00276 m/s²