Question

A deep-space satellite is sent to orbit a distant planet with unknown mass. On

arrival, the satellite begins its orbit and measures a gravitational pull from the
planet of 120 N. If the satellite has a mass of 450 kg and orbits the planet at a
radius of 4.0 x 106 m, what is the approximate mass of the planet?

Answer 1

6.4 × 10²² kg

Step-by-step explanation:

acceleration due to gravity on the planet

= g = Force /mass

= 120 N /450 kg = 4/15 m/s².

From the Newton's law of Gravitation

g = G M / R²

=> 4/15 = 6.67 × 10 ⁻¹¹ × M / (4×10⁶)²

=> M = 6.4 × 10²² kg

Answer 2

b

Step-by-step explanation: