Question

Find the magnitude of the gravitational attraction force that the earth exerts on a 62-kilogram astronaut who is 8.00 X 10^7 meters away from the center of the earth.

Useful numbers: M^earth=5.98 X 10^24kg; G=6.67 X 10^-11 N*m^2kg^-2

Please walk me through your steps, don't just suggest a formula-thank you.

Answer 1

This is only one step - The Universal Law of Gravitation
F=G• m•M/(R)²
R= 8.00 X 10^7 m,
m=62 kg

Answer 2

Question though, the answer in the book says that the answer is 3.9 Newtons...do I need to convert this answer or something?

Answer 3

F=G• m•M/(R)² =
=6.67•10^-11•62•5.98•10^24/(8• 10^7)²=3.87 N ≈3.9 N

Answer 4

Fabulous! Thank you!!!