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 620 N. If the satellite has a mass of 450 kg and orbits the planet at a
radius of 4.0 x 10^6m, what is the approximate mass of the planet?(recall that G=6.7x10^-11 N•m2/kg^2.)

Answer 1

The mass of the planet is
`3.29* 10^(23)\ kg`.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

The gravitational pull on the planet is 620 N

Mass of a satellite is, m₁ = 450 kg

Radius of a planet is
`4* 10^6\ m`

We need to find the mass of the planet. Gravitational force is given by :

`F=(Gm_1m_2)/(r^2)`
`m_2` is the mass of the planet

`m_2=(Fr^2)/(Gm_1)\\\\m_2=(620* (4* 10^6)^2)/(6.7* 10^(-11)* 450)\\\\m_2=3.29* 10^(23)\ kg`

So, the mass of the planet is
`3.29* 10^(23)\ kg`.