219k views
4 votes
If the 40 kg boy were in a spacecraft 5.0R from the center of the earth, what would his weight be?

1 Answer

1 vote

Answer:

= 15.6 Newtons .

Step-by-step explanation:

The acceleration of gravity is proportional to the reciprocal of the square of the distance from the center.

On the surface we are 1 radius from the center of the Earth,

and the acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s² .

The boy's weight on earth surface = (mass) · (gravity) = (40kg) × (9.8 m/s²)

= 392 newtons.

On the other hand; At the distance of 5 radii from the center (4 radii altitude from the surface),

the acceleration of gravity is;

(9.8 m/s²) × (1/5)² = 0.39 m/s² .

Therefore;

The boy's weight = (mass) × (gravity)

= 40 kg × 0.39 m/s²

= 15.6 Newtons .

User Xceph
by
8.4k points

Related questions

1 answer
3 votes
136k views
1 answer
2 votes
188k views
asked Nov 5, 2024 106k views
Rdbhost asked Nov 5, 2024
by Rdbhost
8.4k points
1 answer
0 votes
106k views