Question

A backpack weighs 18.2 Newtons and has a mass of 5 kg on the moon. What is the strength of gravity on the moon? (Be careful with units, remember 1N= 1 kg x m/s2)

Answer 1

Calculating moon gravity as 3.64 m/s² using the weight formula w = mg from a 5 kg backpack contradicts the known moon gravity of approximately 1.67 m/s².

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the strength of gravity on the moon using the provided information, we will use the formula for weight:

w = mg

where w is weight in newtons, m is mass in kilograms, and g is the acceleration due to gravity in meters per second squared (m/s2). Since the weight (w) of the backpack on the moon is given as 18.2 N, and its mass (m) is 5 kg, we can rearrange the formula to solve for g:

g = w/m

g = 18.2 N / 5 kg

g = 3.64 m/s2

This calculation shows that the strength of gravity on the moon is 3.64 m/s2.

However, we know from physics that the correct value for the acceleration due to gravity on the moon is approximately 1.67 m/s2, which suggests that there may be a mistake in the values provided or in the interpretation of the question.