Mechanics: Circular Motion and Gravitation
Circular Motion and Gravitation: Audio Guided Solution
Problem Set CG14, Question 6:
The acceleration of gravity on Earth's surface is 9.8 m/s/s but the value decreases with increasing distance from Earth's center. Determine the altitude above the Earth's surface that you must be located to experience an acceleration of gravity of 2.378 m/s/s. Express your answer in terms of Earth-radii; that is, express the answer as the number of times greater than 6.38x106 m.
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
- Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
- Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 61.7 kg, v= 18.5 m/s, R = 30.9 m, Fnorm = ???.
- Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
- Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
- Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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