Calculating force of gravity

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Calculating force of gravity

Andrew Shaindlin

Gravity on the moon is roughly 1/6 that on the Earth's surface.

To determine the force of gravity on another planet or a planetary
satellite (moon), you need to know the radius and the approximate mass
of the object (you can make good estimates of this if you know what
it's made out of. Most planetary items are geological, i.e, rock. We
have rock on earth so we have a lot of experience measuring its
density, weight, mass, etc.)

The formula for universal gravitation is: G(o) is proportional to M(o)
times m(i) over R(o) squared.

Using ^ to mean "to the power of" and the equals sign to mean
"proportional to" (I don't have the proportional sign to insert in
plain text):

M (o) X m (i)

G (o) = _____________

R (o) ^ 2

G(o) is the force of gravity on the object (hence: (o)) or planet;

M(o) is the mass of the object or planet,

m(i) is the individual's mass,

R(o) is the radius of the other object or planet.

Simple!!

You can measure this compared with Earth's gravity by establishing the
ratio between the gravitational force on Earth (G(e)) and that on the
other object. M(e) is Earth's mass and R(e) is the radius of Earth. You
have to look those values up yourself though - I can't be doing your
homework for you! :-)


AS