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If the mass of Mars is 0.107 times that of Earth, and its radius is 0.530 that of Earth, estimate the gravitational acceleration g at the surface of Mars. (gearth = 9.80 m/s2

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To develop this problem we will use the gravitational equations posed in the Newtonian theory and for which gravity is described as,


a = (GM_(mars))/(R^2_(mars))

Where,

G = Gravitational Universal constant


M_(mars)= Mass of mars


R_(mars)= Radius of mars

Using the relation given we have,


a = (G*(0.107*M_e))/((0.53R_e)^2)


a = (GM_E)/(R^2_E)*(0.107)/(0.53^2)

The first term is known to all as gravity on earth, which is equivalent to
9.8m / s ^ 2


a = 9.8*0.381


a = 3.73m/s^2

Therefore the gravitational acceleration at the surface of Mars is
3.73m/s^2

User Joe Linoff
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