Asked by Alison
How far from Earth's surface would you have to travel to be 1/4 your weight. Give your answer in Earth radii.
I know you have to travel twice the distance or 1 Earth radii... I just don't know how to mathematically show it. Please help.
I know you have to travel twice the distance or 1 Earth radii... I just don't know how to mathematically show it. Please help.
Answers
Answered by
Steve
since
F = GMm/r^2
when r doubles you have
GMm/(2r)^2 = Gmm/4r^2 = GMm/r^2 * 1/4 = F/4
F = GMm/r^2
when r doubles you have
GMm/(2r)^2 = Gmm/4r^2 = GMm/r^2 * 1/4 = F/4