Question

A 60 kilogram astronaut weighs 96 newtons on the surface of the moon. calculate the acceleration due to gravity on the moon.

Answer 1

Acceleration due to gravity on moon,
`1.6\ m/s^2`

Step-by-step explanation:

Mass of the astronaut, m = 60 kg

Weight of astronaut on the surafce of moon, W = 96 N

The weight of astronaut is given by :

W = m g

`g=(W)/(m)`

`g=(96\ N)/(60\ kg)`

`g=1.6\ m/s^2`

So, the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of moon is
`1.6\ m/s^2`

Also, the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of moon is (1/6)th of the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of earth.

Hence, this is the required solution.

Answer 2

Given: Mass m = 60 Kg

Weight W = 96 N

Required: Acceleration due to gravity, g = ?

Formula: W = mg

g = W/g

g = 96 Kg.m/s²/60 Kg (note: this is the derive unit for Newton "N")

g = 1.6 m/s²