Question

Determine the gravitational constant gₓ on a newly discovered planet, Planet X, if it exerts 3600 N of force on a 12 kg piece of rock on the surface.

a) gₓ=30m/s²
b) gₓ=240m/s²
c) gₓ=300m/s²
d) gₓ=120m/s²

Answer 1

To determine the gravitational constant gₓ on Planet X, we can use the formula F = mg and rearrange it to gₓ = F/m. The force on the rock is 3600 N and the mass is 12 kg, so gₓ = 300 m/s².

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the gravitational constant gₓ on Planet X, we can use the formula F = mg, where F is the force exerted by the planet, m is the mass of the object, and gₓ is the acceleration due to gravity on Planet X. Rearranging the formula, we have gₓ = F/m.

In this case, the force on the 12 kg rock is given to be 3600 N. So, gₓ = 3600 N / 12 kg = 300 m/s².

Therefore, the correct answer is gₓ = 300 m/s² (option c).