Question

The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of Mars is about one-third the acceleration due to gravity on Earth’s surface. The weight of a space probe on the surface of Mars is about:a. nine times greater than its weight on Earth’s surface.b. three times greater than its weight on Earth’s surface.c. one-third its weight on Earth’s surface.d. the same as its weight on Earth’s surface.

Answer 1

one-third of its weight on Earth's surface

Step-by-step explanation:

Weight of an object is = W = m*g

Gravity on Earth = g₁ = 9.8 m/s

Gravity on Mars = g₂ =
`(1)/(3)` g₁

Weight of probe on earth = w₁ = m * g₁

Weight of probe on Mars = w₂ = m * g₂ -------- ( 1 )

As g₂ = g₁/3 --------- ( 2 )

Put equation (2) in equation (1)

so

Weight of probe on Mars = w₂ = m * g₁ /3

Weight of probe on Mars =
`(1)/(3)` m * g₁ =
`(1)/(3)` w₁

⇒Weight of probe on Mars =
`(1)/(3)` Weight of probe on earth