Chapter 12

Gravity
Answers to Even-numbered Conceptual Questions
2.

A person passing you on the street exerts a gravitational force on you, but it is so weak
(about 107 N or less) that it is imperceptible.

4.

(a) We can see from Equation 12-13 that if the radius of the Earth is decreased, with its
mass remaining the same, the escape speed increases. The reason is that in this case the
rocket starts closer to the center of the Earth, and therefore experiences a greater attractive
force. It follows that a greater speed is required to overcome the increased force. (b)
Satellites in orbit would not be affected. They would experience the same net force from
the center of the Earth as before.

6.

No. A satellite must be moving relative to the center of the Earth to maintain its orbit, but
the North Pole is at rest relative to the center of the Earth. Therefore, a satellite cannot
remain fixed above the North Pole.

8.

More energy is required to go from the Earth to the Moon. To see this, note that you must
essentially "escape" from the Earth to get to the Moon, and this takes much more energy
than is required to "escape" from the Moon, with its much weaker gravity. This is why an
enormous Saturn V rocket was required to get to the Moon, but only a small rocket on the
lunar lander was required to lift off the lunar surface.

10.

Yes. The rotational motion of the Earth is to the east, and therefore if you launch in that
direction you are adding the speed of the Earths rotation to the speed of your rocket.

12.

Skylabs speed increased as its radius decreased. This can be seen by recalling that

T = ( constant ) r 3/ 2 (Keplers third law) and that v = 2 r / T (circular motion). It

follows that v = ( constant ) r

1/ 2

, and therefore the speed increases with decreasing

radius. You might think that friction would slow Skylab just like other objects are
slowed by friction but by dropping Skylab to a lower orbit, friction is ultimately
responsible for an increase in speed.
14.

More energy is required to put the satellite in orbit because, not only must you supply
enough energy to get to the altitude h, you must also supply the kinetic energy the satellite
will have in orbit.

16.

As the astronauts approach a mascon, its increased gravitational attraction would increase
the speed of the spacecraft. Similarly, as they pass the mascon, its gravitational attraction
would now be in the backward direction, which would decrease their speed.

18.

(a) The satellite drops into an elliptical orbit that brings it closer to the Earth. The
situation is similar to that illustrated in Figure 12-13 (a). (b) The apogee distance remains
the same. (c) The perigee distance is reduced.

20.

As the tips of the fingers approach one another, we can think of them as like two small
spheres (or we can replace the finger tips with two small marbles if we like). As we
know, the net gravitational attraction outside a sphere of mass is the same as that of an

247

Chapter 12: Gravity

22.
24.

Physics: An Introduction

equivalent point mass at its center. Therefore, the two fingers simply experience the finite
force of two point masses separated by a finite distance.
It makes more sense to think of the Moon as orbiting the Sun, with the Earth providing a
smaller force that makes the Moon wobble back and forth in its solar orbit.
The net force acting on the Moon is always directed toward the Sun, never away from the
Sun. Therefore, the Moons orbit must always curve toward the Sun. The path shown in
the upper part of Figure 12-20, though it seems intuitive, sometimes curves toward the
Sun, sometimes away from the Sun. The correct path, shown in the lower part of Figure
12-20, curves sharply toward the Sun when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun,
and curves only slightly toward the Sun when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth.

Solutions to Problems
1. F = G

m1m2
r2

N m 2 (0.20 kg)(0.20 kg)

(a) F = 6.67 1011
= 4.3 1011 N

2
2

kg
(0.25 m)

N m2
(b) F = 6.67 1011

kg 2

2. F = G

(0.20 kg)(0.20 kg)

= 1.1 1011 N

(0.50
m)

m1m2
r2

N m 2 (6.1 kg)(7.2 kg)

(a) F = 6.67 1011
= 5.2 109 N

2
2

kg
(0.75
m)

6.67 1011 Nm 2 (6.1 kg)(7.2 kg)

kg 2
Gm1m2
(b) r =
=
= 1.2 m
F
2.0 109 N

m
3. (a) Ws = mg = (350 kg) 9.81
= 3.4 kN
s2

(b) F = G

mM E
r2

N m2
= 6.67 1011

kg 2

(350 kg)(5.97 1024 kg)

= 110 N

(35 106 m) 2

4. Use your mass 65 kg.

F =G

m1m2
r2

N m 2 (8.7 1020 kg)(65 kg)

= 6.67 1011
= 0.026 N

kg 2
(12 106 m) 2

248

Physics: An Introduction

Chapter 12: Gravity

5. The forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

mm
F =G 1 2
r2

N m 2 (0.12 kg)(0.20 kg)

(a) F = 6.67 1011
= 2.8 1012 N

2
2

kg
(0.75 m)

(b)

2.8 1012 N

6. (a) FE = G
ME
r E-s

rM-s
=
rE-s
=

ms M E
r E-s

= 2G

ms M M
rM-s 2

= 2 FM

2M M
rM-s 2
2M M
ME
2(7.35 1022 kg)
5.97 1024 kg

= 0.157
Since rE-s + rM-s = rE-M,

rE-s + 0.157 rE-s = 3.84 108 m

rE-s = 3.32 108 m

(b) It doesnt. The spaceship mass cancels out of the equation.

7. (a) F = G

M E MS
2

+G

MEMM

rE-S
rE-M 2
MS
M
= GM E
+ M
r 2 r 2
E-M
E-M

2.00 1030 kg
N m2
7.35 1022 kg
= 6.67 1011
+
(5.97 1024 kg)

(1.50 1011 m)2 (3.84 108 m)2

kg 2

G
F = 3.56 1022 N, toward the Sun

MS
ME
(b) F = GM M

2
r
rE-M 2
S-M

N m2
2.00 1030 kg
5.97 1024 kg
= 6.67 1011

(7.35 1022 kg)

(1.50 1011 m 3.84 108 m)2 (3.84 108 m) 2

kg 2

G
20
F = 2.40 10 N, toward the Sun

249

Chapter 12: Gravity

Physics: An Introduction

M
M
(c) F = GM S E + M
r 2 r 2
S-M
E-S

5.97 1024 kg

N m2
7.35 1022 kg
= 6.67 1011
+
(2.00 1030 kg)

(1.50 1011 m) 2 (1.50 1011 m 3.84 108 m)2

kg 2

G
22
F = 3.58 10 N, toward the Earth-Moon system

N m 2 (5.97 1024 kg)(2.00 1030 kg)

= 6.67 1011
= 3.5395 1022 N

2
2
11
2

kg
(1.50 10 m)
rE-S

M M
N m (5.97 1024 kg)(7.35 1022 kg)
= 1.9848 1020 N
FM = G E M = 6.67 1011

2
8
2

kg
(3.84
10
m)
rE-M 2

8. FS = G

M E MS

F = Fx 2 + Fy 2 = (3.5395 1022 N)2 + (1.9848 1020 N)2 = 3.54 1022 N

= tan 1

Fy
Fx

= tan 1

1.9848 1020 N
3.5395 1022 N

= 0.321 toward the Moon off the ray from the Earth to the Sun

N m 2 (2.00 1030 kg)(5.97 1024 kg)

= 6.67 1011
= 3.5395 1022 N

2
11
2

kg
(1.50
10
m)

rE-S2

M M
Nm
(2.00 1030 kg)(7.35 1022 kg)
FM = G S M = 6.67 1011
= 4.3577 1020 N

2
2
11
2
8
2

kg (1.50 10 m) + (3.84 10 m)
rS-M

Seen from the Sun, the Earth and the Moon are separated by an angle such that

9. FE = G

sin =

MSM E

3.84 108
(1.50 1011 ) 2 + (3.84 108 ) 2

cos =

1.50 1011
(1.50 1011 )2 + (3.84 108 )2

= 0.002560 and
= 1.000

F = ( FE + FM cos ) 2 + ( FM sin )2 = 3.58 1022 N

= tan 1

FM sin
FE + FM cos

(4.3577 1020 N)(0.002560)

= tan 1

3.5395 1022 N + (4.3577 1020 N)(1.000)

= 0.00178 toward the Moon off the ray from the Sun to the Earth

10. Each mass will be drawn toward a point halfway between the other two masses. Each of those other masses
m2
contributes to that attraction with a force component equal to G
cos 30, where r is the length of a side of the
r2
triangle.
(a) F = 2G

N m2
cos 30 = 2 6.67 1011

kg 2
r2

m2

(6.75 kg) 2
cos 30 = 3.37 109 N

(1.25 m) 2

(b) Doubling reduces F by a factor of 4: F = 8.42 1010 N.

250

Physics: An Introduction

Chapter 12: Gravity

11. (a) Let m1 = 1.0 kg, m2 = 4.0 kg, m3 = 3.0 kg, and m4 = 2.0 kg.
mm
m m
Fx = G 1 4 + G 2 4 cos
2
r14
r24 2
mm
m m r
= G 1 4 + G 2 4 14
2
r14
r24 2 r24
m
m r
= Gm4 1 + 2 14
r 2
r243
14

1.0 kg
N m2
(4.0 kg)(0.20 m)
= 6.67 1011
+
(2.0 kg)

2
2

kg
[(0.20 m) 2 + (0.10 m) 2 ]3 / 2
(0.20 m)

= 1.288 108 N
mm
m m
Fy = G 2 4 sin + G 3 4
2
r24
r342
mm
m m r
= G 2 4 34 + G 3 4
2
r24 r24
r342
m r
m
= Gm4 2 34 + 3
r 3
r342
24

N m2
(4.0 kg)(0.10 m)
3.0 kg
= 6.67 1011
+
(2.0 kg)
2
2
2 3/ 2

kg
(0.10 m) 2
[(0.20 m) + (0.10 m) ]

= 4.479 108 N

F = Fx 2 + Fy 2 = (1.288 108 N)2 + (4.479 108 N)2 = 4.7 108 N

= tan 1

Fy
Fx

= tan 1

4.479 108 N
1.288 108 N

= 74 below horizontal, down and to the left

(b) All forces are reduced by a factor of 22 = 4, including the net force on m4 .
The directions of the forces are unchanged.
12. Let m1 be an arbitrary unit of mass, then set m2 =

1
1
m1 , m3 = m1. With r12 = x and r23 = D x, the forces on
7
4

m2 cancel out when

G

m1m2
2

r12
m1
x2

=G
=

m2 m3
r232
m3

( D x) 2

1
m1 x 2
4
4 x 2 8Dx + 4 D 2 = x 2

m1 ( D 2 2 Dx + x 2 ) =

3x 2 8Dx + 4 D 2 = 0
(3 x 2 D)( x 2 D) = 0
2
D or x = 2D
3
x = 2D is rejected because m2 is not between m1 and m3 .
x=

So, x = (2 / 3) D.
251

Chapter 12: Gravity

13. g P = G

Physics: An Introduction

MP
RP2

11 N m
(a) g M = 6.67 10
kg 2

0.0553(5.97 1024 kg)

= 3.70 m s 2

6
2

(2.44 10 m)

11 N m
(b) g V = 6.67 10
kg 2

0.816(5.97 1024 kg)

= 8.88 m s 2

(6.05 106 m)2

14. a =

GM E
( RE + h)2

1 GM E

2 RE 2

( RE + h) 2 = 2 RE 2
h = ( 2 1) RE

= ( 2 1)(6.37 106 m)
= 2.64 106 m

15. A sphere acts like a point mass at the spheres center.

m2
N m 2 (6.3 kg)2
F =G
= 6.67 1011
= 5.5 108 N

2
2
2

r
kg (0.22 m)

16. g = G

17. gT =

ME
r2

GM T
RT 2

18. (a) F = G

N m2
= 6.67 1011

kg 2

5.97 1024 kg
= 0.00270 m s 2

(3.84 108 m) 2

6.67 1011 Nm 2 (1.35 1023 kg)

kg 2
=
= 1.36 m s 2
3
2
(2570 10 m)
MEm

r2
GM E m
r=
F
6.67 1011 Nm 2 (5.97 1024 kg)(4.0 kg)

kg 2
=
2.0 N
= 2.8 107 m

(b) a =

F 2.0 N
=
= 0.50 m s 2
m 4.0 kg

(c) Since the gravitational force is inversely proportional to r 2 , doubling r reduces F by a factor of 4. Its
acceleration also reduces by a factor of 4 since the force has decreased by that factor and the mass has not
changed.

252

Physics: An Introduction

19. g =

Chapter 12: Gravity

GM
R2

1 GM E
=

6 RE 2
RM 2
R 2
MM = M ME
6R 2
E
2
1
4 RE
=
M
2 E
6 RE

1
=
ME
96

GM M

20. (a)

Use

GM
1 2
mvi = mghf to find g , and use g =
to find M .
2
R2
2

(b)

1
m
3
m 134
= mg (5.00 10 m)
2
s
g=

(134 ms )

2(5.00 103 m)
m
= 1.7956
s2

gR 2
=
M =
G

21. (a) FE = G
ME
rE s

rM s
=
rE s

(1.7956 ) (1.82 10
m
s2

2
6.67 1011 Nm2
kg

m) 2

= 8.92 1022 kg

ms M E
mM
= G s M = FM
rE s
rM s 2
MM
rM s 2
MM
7.35 1022 kg
=
= 0.111
ME
5.97 1024 kg

Since rE s + rM s = rE M
rE s + 0.1109r = 3.84 108 m
rE s = 3.46 108 m

(b) The net gravitational force on the astronauts will steadily decrease, reaching zero at the location found in part
(a), and then gradually increase in the opposite direction. However, since the astronauts and the spaceship
have the same acceleration, the astronauts will appear to float inside the spaceship. They will not walk on
the floor or ceiling.

253

Chapter 12: Gravity

22. (a) g A = G

Physics: An Introduction

N m 2 (3.45 1015 kg)

= 6.67 1011
= 1.6 103 m/s 2

2
3
2

kg
(12
10
m)

MA
RA2

2GM A
RA

v
(b) = esc =
RA

RA

2 gA
=
RA

2(1.6 103 m/s 2 )

3

12 10 m

= 5.2 104 rad/s

2 3 / 2
23. T =
r
GM
M

2
(1.74 106 m + 110 103 m)3 / 2
=

6.67 1011 Nm2 (7.35 1022 kg)

kg

= 1.98 h
2 3 / 2
24. T =
r
GM
E

6.67 1011 Nm 2 (5.97 1024 kg)

kg 2
GM E
2 r 2 r GM E
v=
=
=
=
= 7.0 km/s
T
r
2 r 3 / 2
6.37 106 m + 1700 103 m
2
25. T =
GM

3/ 2
r

2/3

T GM
r =

2
2/3
T
1/ 3
=
(GM )
2

(320 days)

=
2

86,400 s
day

2/3

N m2
6.67 1011

kg 2

1/ 3

(1.99 1030 kg)

= 1.4 1011 m
2 3 / 2
r
26. T =

GM M

(9378 103 m)3 / 2

=

24
11 Nm 2
(0.108 5.97 10 kg)
2
6.67 10
kg

= 7.64 h

254

Physics: An Introduction

27.

Chapter 12: Gravity

2 3 / 2
T =
r
GM
J

2 3
2 r
MJ =

T G
2

(1.07 109 m)3

=

2
6.18 105 s 6.67 1011 Nm2
kg

= 1.90 10

28. (a)

27

kg

2
Use T =
GM
243I

(b) M 243I

3/ 2
solved for M 243I .
r

2 3
2

2 r
=
=

T G (19 h) 3600s
h

3
3
(89 10 m)
= 8.9 1016 kg

11 Nm 2
6.67
10

kg 2

2 3 / 2
29. (a) T =
r
GM
E

2
(2.0 107 m + 6.38 106 m)3 / 2
=

6.67 1011 Nm2 (5.97 1024 kg)

kg

= 12 h

(b) v =

2 r 2 (2.638 107 m)
=
= 3.9 km s
T
4.266 104 s

30. (a) In a lower orbit the gravitational force is stronger, resulting in a larger centripetal acceleration and a higher
orbital speed for satellite 2.
2 3 / 2
T =
r
GM
E

2 r
v=
T
GM E
=
r
(6.67 1011 Nm 2 (5.97 1024 kg)

kg 2
GM E
(b) v =
=
= 5.59 km s
2 RE
2(6.37 106 m)

255

Chapter 12: Gravity

(c) v =

Physics: An Introduction

GM E
=
3RE

2
3

GM E

=
2 RE

2
3 m
5.59 10
= 4.56 km s
3
s

2 3 / 2
31. T =
r
GM
E

2
(a) T =
(2 RE )3 / 2
GM
E

2
(2 6.37 106 m)3 / 2
=

6.67 1011 Nm2 (5.97 1024 kg)

kg

= 3.98 h
2
(b) T =
GM
E

3/ 2
3
=
2

(3RE )3 / 2

2
(2 RE )3 / 2
GM E
3/ 2
3
1h
= (14,318 s)

2
3600 s
= 7.31 h

(c) The periods do not depend on the mass of the satellite because the satellite mass cancels out of the equation.
They depend inversely on the square root of the mass of the Earth.
32. (a) Because T r 3 / 2 and Diemos has the greater period, Diemos is farther from Mars than Phobos is.
2
(b) T =
GM
M

3/ 2
r

2/3

T GM M
r =

2/3
T
1/ 3
=
(GM M )
2
1.10 105
=

2/3

1/ 3

N m2
(0.108 5.971024 kg)
6.67 1011

kg 2

= 2.36 107 m

256

Physics: An Introduction

Chapter 12: Gravity

33. mA = mB = m
d = separation
r = orbital radius
The force between the two stars is given by Newtons Law of Universal Gravitation.
m m
Gm 2
F =G A B =
d2
d2
Assuming a circular orbit with radius r, the centripetal force is Fcp = mr 2 . Equate the gravitational force to the
centripetal force, and substitute 2 / T for and d / 2 for r.
2

Gm 2

d 2
= m

2
2 T
d
2 2 d 3
m=
GT 2
2 2 (3.45 1012 m)3
=
6.67 1011 Nm 2 (2.52 109 s)2

kg 2

= 1.91 1030 kg

34. Assuming a circular orbit with circumference C and diameter d, the orbital speed is
C d (3.45 1012 m)
v= =
=
= 4.30 km/s
T
T
2.52 109 s
35. U = U 2 U1
M m
M m
= G E G E
r2
r1

1 1
= GM E m
r1 r2

N m2
1
1
= 6.67 1011

(5.97 1024 kg)(83.5 kg)

2
3
3

kg
7330 10 m 6610 10 m

= 4.94 108 J

m1m2
r
There are six contributions to the total potential energy of the system.

N m 2 (1.0 kg)(2.0 kg)

(1.0 kg)(3.0 kg)
(1.0 kg)(4.0 kg)
U = 6.67 1011
+
+

2
2
0.20 m
0.10 m
kg
(0.20 m) + (0.10 m)

36. (a) U = G

(2.0 kg)(3.0 kg)

(2.0 kg)(4.0 kg)
(3.0 kg)(4.0 kg)
+
+

0.10 m
0.20 m
(0.20 m) 2 + (0.10 m) 2

= 1.5 108 J

(b) It increases by a factor of 4 because each term involves the product of two masses.
(c) It increases by a factor of 2.
257

Chapter 12: Gravity

37. U = G

Physics: An Introduction

MEm
r

N m2
(a) U1 = 6.67 1011

kg 2

(5.97 1024 kg)(5.0 kg)

= 3.12558 108 J

6.37 10 m

N m2
(b) U 2 = 6.67 1011

kg 2

(5.97 1024 kg)(5.0 kg)

= 3.12509 108 J

6.37 106 m + 1.0 103 m

(c) U 2 U1 = 4.9 104 J

m
3
4
mgh = (5.0 kg) 9.81
(1.0 10 m) = 4.9 10 J
s2

38. U = U 2 U1 = G

m2
m2
G
r2
r1

1 1
= Gm 2

r1 r2

N m2
1
1
11

J
(a) U = 6.67 1011
(0.59 kg) 2
= 7.4 10
2

0.24
m
1.0
m

kg

1
N m2
1
11

J
(b) U = 6.67 1011
(0.59 kg) 2
= 9.4 10
2

0.24
m
10.0
m
kg

39. (a) K = U U i
= U i
M m
=G M
RM

N m2
= 6.67 1011

kg 2

(7.35 1022 kg)(29, 000 kg)

(1.74 106 m)

= 8.2 1010 J

(b) K = G

MEm
N m2
= 6.67 1011

RE
kg 2

(5.97 1024 kg)(29,000 kg)

= 1.8 1012 J

(6.37
10
m)

258

Physics: An Introduction

40.

Chapter 12: Gravity

Ep = Ea
mM E 1 2
mM E
1 2
mvp G
= mva G
Rp
Ra
2
2
GM E 1 2 2 GM E
= (va vp ) +
Ra
Rp
2
GM E
Ra =
1 (v 2 v 2 ) + GM E
p
R
2 a
p

1
va2 vp2
2GM E

+ R1

3.64 103 ms

26.67 1011

) (4.46 10 )
2

3 m
s

24
N m2
(5.97 10
kg 2

+
kg)

1
2.00 107 m

= 2.40 10 km

2 6.67 1011 Nm2 (0.108 5.97 1024 kg)

kg

= 5.04 km s
3.39 106 m
2

41. vesc =

2GM M
=
RM

42. Its speed at B is determined by its kinetic energy at B, which equals the potential energy lost. The potential energy
at a point is twice the potential energy due to a single asteroid. So,
1 2
mv = 2U
2

Mm
Mm
= 2 G
G

rB
rA

1
1
= 2GMm
rB rA
1
1
v = 4GM
rB rA

N m2
= 4 6.67 1011

kg 2

(3.50 1011 kg)

1500 m
(1500 m) 2 + (3000 m)2

= 0.186 m s

259

Chapter 12: Gravity

43.

Physics: An Introduction

Ei = Ef
mM E
mM E
1 2
= G
mv G
2
2 RE
RE
mM E
1 2
mv = G
2
2 RE
GM E
v=
RE
6.67 1011 Nm 2 (5.97 1024 kg)

kg 2
=
6.37 106 m
= 7.91 km/s

44. Energy balance:

1 2
mv = mgh
2
GM M
= m
h
R 2
M
2GM M h
v=
RM 2
2 6.67 1011 Nm2 (7.35 1022 kg)(325 103 m)
kg

(1.74 106 m) 2
2

= 1.03 km s

45. vesc =

2GM
R

2 6.67 1011 Nm2 (0.0553 5.97 1024 kg)

kg

(a) vesc =
2.44 106 m
= 4.25 km s
2

2 6.67 1011 Nm2 (0.816 5.97 1024 kg)

kg

(b) vesc =
6.05 106 m
= 10.4 km s
2

46. (a) The speed of Halleys comet at aphelion is less than its speed at perihelion because more of its energy is in
the form of gravitational potential energy and, therefore, less is in the form of kinetic energy (energy
conservation).

260

Physics: An Introduction

(b)

Chapter 12: Gravity

Ea = Ep
mM
mM S
1
1
S
= mvp 2 G
mva 2 G
2
2
Ra
Rp
1
1

va = vp 2 + 2GM S

Ra Rp

m
N m2
1
1

= 54.6 103 + 2 6.67 1011

(2.00 1030 kg)

2
12
10

kg
5.270 10 m 8.823 10 m

= 2.81 km s

47.

Ei = Ef
MMm 1 2
M m
1 2
= mvf G M
mvi G
2
RM + h 2
RM
2 2GM M
2 2GM M
= vf
vi
RM + h
RM
1
1

vf = vi2 + 2GM M

R
R
M +h
M
2GM M h
= vi2 +
RM ( RM + h)

22
11 Nm 2
kg)(110 103 m)
2 2 6.67 10
2 (7.35 10
kg
m

= 1630
+
s

(1.74 106 m)(1.85 106 m)

= 1.73 km/s

48.

Ei = Ef
mM E 1 2
mM E
1 2
mvi G
= mvf G
2
RE
2
h
mM E 1 GM E
mM E
1 2GM E
m
= m
G
G
2 RE
RE
2 2 RE
h
mM E
mM E
0=G
G
4 RE
h
h = 4 RE
= 4(6.37 106 m)
= 2.55 107 m

49. vesc =

2GM P
=
RP

2G (10 M E )
1
10

RE

= 10

2GM E
RE

The escape speed is 10 times that of the earth.

261

Chapter 12: Gravity

Physics: An Introduction
Ei = Ef

50.

mM M 1 vi
mM M
1 2
mvi G
= m G
2
2 2
RM
RM + h
M
MM
1
vi2 vi2 2G M = 2G
4
RM
RM + h
2GM M
RM
h=
M
2G R M 34 vi2
M

2 6.67 1011

2 6.67 1011

= 457 km

51. vesc = c =
R=

N m
kg 2

Nm 2
kg 2

(7.35 1022 kg)

(7.3510
(1.74106

22

kg)
m)

43 1250

2GM S
R
2GM S

c2
2
2 6.67 1011 Nm2 (2.00 1030 kg)
kg
=
2
3.00 108 ms

= 2.96 km

52. (a)

Ei = Ef

m2
m2
1

G
= 2 mv 2 G
ri
rf
2

1 1
mv 2 = Gm 2
rf ri
1 1
v = Gm
rf ri
2
1
1

= 6.67 1011 Nm2 (0.148 kg)

kg

145 m 355 m

= 2.01 107 m s

(b) Increase, because v is proportional to

m.

262

m
s

1.74 106 m

Physics: An Introduction

Chapter 12: Gravity

1 2
mv = mgh v = 2 gh . So, on the asteroid, using the formula for escape
2
2GM A
4
3
,
. And since M A = RA
RA
3

53. On Earth, with h << RE , Ei = Ef

velocity,

2 gh =

4
gh = GRA 2
3
RA =

3(9.81 m/s 2 )h
2
4 6.67 1011 Nm2 3500
kg

3 gh
=
4 G

N m2
54. (a) F = 4 6.67 1011

kg 2

1/ 3

4GmMa
(b) r =

kg
m3

(65 kg)(106 2.00 1030 kg)(1.8 m)

= 15 N

(106 mi) 1609 m

mi

1/ 3

4GmMa
=

10mg

1/ 3

4GMa
=

10 g

1/ 3

36
11 Nm 2
(2.00 10 kg)(1.8 m)
4 6.67 10
kg 2
=

10(9.81 m/s 2 )

mi

= 2.1 108 m

1609 m
= 1.3 105 mi

55. For r >> a,

4a

. So,
(r + a )
r3
mM E
4GmM E a
F2 F1 = G
G
=
2
2
(r a)
(r + a )
r3

56. (a) F = G

(r a)
mM E

m2
(2a )2

4 a3
(
)
3
=G

4a 2

4
G 2 a 4 2
9
4 2
N m2
=
6.67 1011
9
kg 2

N m2
= 2.93 1010

kg 2

(1.00 107 m)h

2 4
a

2 4
a

263

Chapter 12: Gravity

(b) G

m2
4a

Physics: An Introduction

4GmM E a
r3
1/ 3

16a3 M E
r =

1/ 3

12M E
(c) rE =

16a3 M
E
=
4 a3
3

1/ 3

1/ 3

12 M E
=

1/ 3

12(5.97 1024 kg)

=

kg
3330 3

= 1.90 107 m

1/ 3

12M S 12(95.1)(5.97 1024 kg)

rS =
=

3330 kg3

= 8.67 107 m

m1m2
r
There are three contributions to the total potential energy of the system.

N m 2 (1.00 kg)(2.00 kg) (1.00 kg)(3.00 kg) (2.00 kg)(3.00 kg)

U = 6.67 1011
+
+

1.00 m
2.00 m
1.00 m

kg 2

57. U = G

= 6.34 1010 J

58. With h << R, mgh =

1 2
GM
GMh 1 2
mv , where g =
= v .
. So,
2
2
2
R
R2

(3560 103 m) 3.00 m

( Rv) 2
s
M =
=
= 1.50 1024 m
2
2Gh

11 Nm
2 6.67 10
(0.570 m)
kg 2

N m2
= 6.67 1011

kg 2
rE-M 2

59. (a) F = G

MMME

(b) F = G

M M MS

(7.35 1022 kg)(5.97 1024 kg)

= 1.98 1020 N

8
2

(3.84 10 m)

N m 2 (7.35 1022 kg)(2.00 1030 kg)

= 6.67 1011
= 4.36 1020 N

2
11
2
8
2

kg
(1.50
10
m)
(3.84
10
m)
rS-M 2

(c) It makes more sense to think of the moon as orbiting the Sun, with a small effect due to the Earth. The
gravitational forces from the Sun and the Earth have the same order of magnitude, but the force due to the
Earth is smaller by roughly a factor of two.
60. Force from the 2.00-kg mass:

mm
N m 2 (1.00 kg)(2.00 kg)
F2 = G 1 2 = 6.67 1011
= 1.334 1012 N

2
2
2

kg
(10.0 m)
r

Force from the 3.00-kg mass:

N m 2 (1.00 kg)(3.00 kg)

= 2.001 1012 N
F3 = 6.67 1011

2
2

kg
(10.0
m)

264

Physics: An Introduction

Chapter 12: Gravity

The vertical components add, the horizontal ones subtract:

Fx = F3 x F2 x = (2.001 1012 N) cos 60 (1.334 1012 N) cos 60 = 3.335 1013 N (to the left)
Fy = F3 y + F2 y = (2.001 1012 N) sin 60 + (1.334 1012 N) sin 60 = 2.888 1012 N (downward)
F = Fx 2 + Fy 2 = (3.335 1013 N)2 + (2.888 1012 N)2 = 2.91 1012 N

= tan 1

2.888 1012 N
= tan 1
= 83.4 below horizontal, to the left
3.335 1013 N
Fx

Fy

61. K + U = 0
K = U = (U f U i )
Ki = 0.
Gm2

N m 2 (25.0 kg 2 )
Ui = 3
= 5.00 1010 J
= 3 6.67 1011

2 10.0 m

r
kg

Upon arriving at the center, the center-to-center distance between pairs of spheres is 2(0.0726 m) = 0.1452 m.

N m 2 (25 kg 2 )
= 3.45 108 J
U f = 3 6.67 1011

2 0.1452 m

kg

1
K f = 3 mv 2 = 3 (5.00 kg)v 2 = 3.45 108 J (5.00 1010 J) = 3.40 108 J

2
v=

2(3.40 108 J)
= 6.73 105 m/s
3(5.00 kg)

62. (a) K + U = 0
( K f Ki ) + (U f U i ) = 0
Ki = U i = 0
K f = U f
1
GmA M E
mA v 2 =

2
r

2 6.67 1011 Nm2 (5.97 1024 kg)

kg

m
(73,600 mi) 1609
mi
2

v=

2GM E
=
r

= 2.59 km/s
1 2
mv =
2
1
= 3330
2

(b) K =

1
1 4

Vv 2 = r 3 v 2
2
2 3

kg 4
3
(1.0 10 m)3 (2.59 103 m/s)2
3 3
m

= 4.7 1019 J

63. (a)

Since on any given planet g =

GM

R2
will reduce g to half its value also.

( 43 R3 ) = 4 GR , reducing the radius to half its value

R2

265

Chapter 12: Gravity

(b) g =

Physics: An Introduction

1
m
2
9.81 2 = 4.91 m s
2
s

Since on any given planet g =

64. (a)

GM
R2

, compressing the radius to half its value will quadruple g.

m
2
(b) g = 4 9.81 2 = 39.2 m s
s

65.

66.

ma = F
v2
MEm
m
=G
RE + h
( RE + h) 2

GM E
v2 =
RE + h
GM E
v=
RE + h
m1a1 = m2 a2
v12
v2
m1 = m2 2
r1
r2


m1

( )

2 r1 2
T

r1

m2

m1r1 = m2 r2
m2 r1
=
m1 r2

2 r2 2
T

r2

1
3

67.

( )

m1a1 = F
v 2 Gm1m2
m1 1 =
r1 (r + r ) 2

1
2

( )

2 r1 2
T

r1
4 2 r1
T2

=
=

T=

Gm2
(r1 + 3r1 )2

G 13 m1

(4r1 ) 2
192 2 r13
Gm1

266

Physics: An Introduction

68. From Problem 46, vp = 54.6 km/s, va = 783

Chapter 12: Gravity

m
, Rp = 8.823 1010 m, and Ra = 6.152 1012 m.
s

10
30
2
(a) Lp = mvp Rp = (9.8 1014 kg) 54.6 103
(8.823 10 m) = 4.7 10 kg m s
s

(b) La = mva Ra = (9.8 1014 kg) 783 (6.152 1012 m) = 4.7 1030 kg m 2 s
s

69. T 2 =

4 2 r 3
GM

GMT 2
r =
4 2

1/ 3

2 1/ 3

2 (0.108)(5.97 1024 kg) (24.62 h) 3600 s

Nm
h

= 6.67 1011

2
2

kg
4

= 2.05 107 m
r = R+h
h = r R = 2.05 107 m 0.34 107 m = 1.71 107 m

70. (a) Since its altitude is higher than geosynchronous, it moves slower, and so its period is greater than 24 hours.
(b) The satellite lags behind the Earths eastward rotation and thus moves westward.
2 3 / 2
(c) T =
r
GM
E

3/ 2
2
(23,300 mi) 1609 m + 6.37 106 m
=

2
mi

6.67 1011 Nm2 (5.97 1024 kg )

kg

= 25.4 h

71. Ei = Ef , where the potential energy at a point is twice the potential due to a single asteroid. So,
Mm 1
Mm
1
mvA 2 2G
= mvB2 2G
rA
rB
2
2
1
1
vA = vB2 + 4GM
rA rB
2

m
N m2
1
1

(3.50 1011 kg)

= 0.953 + 4 6.67 1011

(1500 m)2 + (3000 m)2 1500 m

s

kg 2

= 0.935 m/s

267

Chapter 12: Gravity

Physics: An Introduction

72. The force between the Moon and the Earth is

M M
N m 2 (5.97 1024 kg)(7.35 1022 kg)
= 1.98 1020 N
FE = G E M = 6.67 1011

2
8
2

kg
(3.84
10
m)
RE-M 2

The force between the Moon and the Sun is weakest when the Moon is farthest from the Sun. Then,

M M
N m 2 (2.00 1030 kg)(7.35 1022 kg)
FS = G S M = 6.67 1011
= 4.34 1020 N

2
2
11
8
2

kg (1.50 10 m + 3.84 10 m)
RS M

So, even at its weakest, the Suns pull on the Moon is greater than the Earths.
73.

2 3 / 2
T =
r
GM
S

3/ 2

3.16 107 s
2
1.50 1011 m

(T )
(
)
=
r

yr
AU

6.67 1011 Nm 2 (1.99 1030 kg)

kg

3.16 107 s

T = (3.16 107 s 1 AU 3 / 2 )r 3 / 2

yr

yr 3 / 2
T = 1
r
AU3/2

74. In a circular orbit,

ma = F
v2
M m
m = G E
r
r2

M
v2 = G E
r
1 2 1 MEm
K = mv = G
2
2
r
1
N m 2 (5.97 1024 kg)(1320 kg)
(a) K = 6.67 1011
= 1.30 1010 J

2
1609
m
2
kg (12, 600 mi) mi

1 Mm
Mm
1 Mm
(b) In a circular orbit, E = K + U = G
G
= G
.
2
r
r
2
r
1 1
1
E = GMm
2
rf ri

1
N m2
1
1
1

(5.97 1024 kg)(1320 kg)

= 6.67 1011

m
2
25, 200 mi 12, 600 mi 1609
kg 2
mi

= 6.48 109 J

268

Physics: An Introduction

Chapter 12: Gravity

75. In a circular orbit,

ma = F
v2
Mm
m = G
r
r2

GM
v=
r
(a) No; m drops out of the expression for v.
6.67 1011 Nm2 (5.97 1024 kg)

kg 2
= 7.8 km s
(b) v =
250 103 m + 6.37 106 m

(c) T =

2 r 2 (250 103 m + 6.37 106 m)

=
= 1.5 h
v
7.756 103 m
s

76. The smaller mass has an orbital radius of (2/3)d.

ma = F
v2
m(2m)
=G
m
2
d
d2
3
2

2 23 d
T

= G 2m
2d
d2
3
2

m
2

= 3G 3
T
d
T=

3 Gm

Ma = F

77.
M

v2
M2
= 2(cos 30)G
R
(2 R cos 30)2
GM
v2 =
2 R cos 30

T=

78.

2 d 3 / 2

2 R
2 R cos 30
R3
= 2 R
= 2 4 3
v
GM
GM

ma = F
v2
Mm
m = G
r
r2

M
v2 = G
r
1
GMm
K = mv 2 =
2
2r
269

Chapter 12: Gravity

79. Fx = 2(cos )G

Physics: An Introduction

Mm
r2

x
Mm
G
= 2

2
2 x 2 + (1500 m) 2
x + (1500 m)

2GMmx
=
2
[ x + (1500 m)2 ]3 / 2
2
2 6.67 1011 Nm2 (3.50 1011 kg)(2.50 107 kg)x
kg

=
[ x 2 + (1500 m) 2 ]3 / 2
=

(1.17 109 N m 2 ) x
[ x 2 + (1500 m) 2 ]3 / 2
Fx (N)
200

x (m)
3000

3000

200

80.

E1 = E2
1 2
mM 1 2
mM
mv1 G
= mv2 G
r1
r2
2
2
M
M
2
2
v1 2G
= v2 2G
r1
r2
M =

v12 v22

2G r1 r1
1
2

)
( 4280 ms ) ( 3990 ms )
2

2 6.67 1011

Nm 2
kg 2

1
22,500 103

= 5.97 1024 kg

81. (a)

mv 2 GmM E
=
r
r2
GM E
v=
r

270

24,100 103 m

Physics: An Introduction

Chapter 12: Gravity

(b) E = K + U
M m
1
= mv 2 G E
r
2
1 2
= mv r ( Fcp )
2
1 2
= mv rmacp
2
v2
1
= mv 2 rm
r
2

1 2
= mv
2
= K
(c) This result applies to an object orbiting the Sun; it applies to any object in a circular orbit around a much
larger object, and not significantly influenced by other objects.

271