The mass of the earth is 6.0 x 1024kg and that of the moon is 7.0 x 1022kg. If the distance between them is 4.0 x 108m, calculate the force of attraction be...
The mass of the earth is 6.0 x 1024kg and that of the moon is 7.0 x 1022kg. If the distance between them is 4.0 x 108m, calculate the force of attraction between them. [G = 6.7 x 10-11Nm2kg-2]
Answer Details
The force of attraction between two masses is given by the formula:
F = G(m1m2)/d^2
where:
F = force of attraction
G = gravitational constant (6.7 x 10^-11 Nm^2/kg^2)
m1 = mass of the first object (in kg)
m2 = mass of the second object (in kg)
d = distance between the centers of the two objects (in meters)
Given:
Mass of the earth (m1) = 6.0 x 10^24 kg
Mass of the moon (m2) = 7.0 x 10^22 kg
Distance between them (d) = 4.0 x 10^8 m
Gravitational constant (G) = 6.7 x 10^-11 Nm^2/kg^2
Substituting the values into the formula:
F = G(m1m2)/d^2
F = 6.7 x 10^-11 x (6.0 x 10^24) x (7.0 x 10^22) / (4.0 x 10^8)^2
F = 1.8 x 10^20 N
Therefore, the force of attraction between the earth and the moon is 1.8 x 10^20 N. Answer option (D) is correct.