The distance of the observer to the center of the moon changes from d1 = (3.82 +0.064)*10^8 to d2 = (3.82 -0.064)*10^8 m
The gravitational pull changes by a factor (d1/d2)^2 = (3.884/3.756)^2 = 1.069, which is a 6.09% increase with the moon overhead.
Bigger changes occur during a month
because the moon's orbit is not circular.
For part (b) compare the change in the moon's pull to the pull of the Earth (the weight).
Some people believe that the Moon controls their activities. The Moon moves from being directly on the opposite side of Earth from you to be being directly overhead. Assume that the Earth-Moon (center-to-center) distance is 3.82 multiplied by 108 m and Earth's radius is 6.37 multiplied by 106.
(a) By what percent does the Moon's gravitational pull on you increase?
(b) By what percent does your weight (as measured on a scale) decrease?
1 answer
1 answer