Exploring the Relationship

Between

Weight, Universal Gravitation, and Centripetal Force

Solve the following problems in the spaces provided. Employ proper problem-solving techniques. Consult your equation and information sheets as necessary.

1,   Calculate the mass of an object which possesses a weight of 765.9 N at sea level.

2.   Based on your knowledge of the definition of the meter and gravitational acceleration at sea level, calculate the mass of the Earth.

3.   Based on your knowledge of weight and gravitation, calculate the value of g at a distance equivalent to 2 Earth radii from the Earth's surface.

4.   Assume that the Earth travels in a circular orbit around the Sun. where the average orbital radius is 9.3 x 10exp7 miles. Based on your knowledge of circular motion, gravitation, and your solution to problem 2, calculate the mass of the Sun.

5.   Calculate the "Kepler constant" for our solar system. You should express your answer in mexp3/sexp2.

6.   Calculate the average orbital velocity and orbital period of a

1000-kg satellite located at 5 Earth radii above the Earth's surface.

Answers

1.   78.2 kg

2.   5.96 x 10exp24 kg

3.   1.09 m/sexp2

4.   2.00 x 10exp30 kg

5.   3.39 x 10exp18 mexp3/sexp2

6.   vorbital = 3.23 x 10exp3 m/s   and T = 7.43 x 10exp4 s