Question

A spacecraft is in a circular orbit around the planet Mars at a height of 140km.

A small part of the spacecraft falls off and eventually lands on the surface of the Mars
The small part has a mass of 1.8kg
During its fall, the small part loses 0.932 MJ of gravitational potential energy.
Calculate the gravitational field strength of Mars ​

Answer 1

3.79 m/s^2

Step-by-step explanation:

We know the small part loses 0.932 MJ of gravitational potential energy during its fall.

Potential energy = mass x gravitational field strength x height

Re-arranging to solve for gravitational field strength:

g = Potential energy/(mass x height)

Plugging in the given values:

g = 0.932 MJ / (1.8kg x 140km)

= 0.932 x 10^6 J / (1.8 x 1000kg x 140 x 1000m)

= 3.79 m/s^2

Therefore, the gravitational field strength of Mars is calculated to be 3.79 m/s^2.