I Need Some Help With This Physics Problem

Question

Calculate the mass (in kg) of the Sun based on data for Uranus's orbit. (Use G = 6.67 ✕ 10⁻¹¹ N · m²/kg² in your calculations. Round your answer to at least four significant figures.) Also, compare the above calculated value with the Sun's actual mass. (Round your answer to at least three decimal places.)

Answer 1

To answer this question, you will need to do some Algebra.

F_gravity = G (M_uM_s/((R_U→S)²) = F_centripetal = M_U (v_U²/R_U→S)

v_U = 2π(R_U→S)/T

I am assuming that you are given R_U→S and its orbital period, T.

Solve for M_s

Do your Algebra CAREFULLY.

Since they are asking for 4 significant figures, your "G" value should have more at least 4 digits (6.6743 E -11)

Also the orbital radius, R_U→S and orbital period should also have at least four digits, but I have a feeling that that the given data does not as your instructor does not appear to have a firm grasp on the meaning of Significant Figures.

Don't worry about this and just write down 4 significant figures using only the data given.

The precision of a result is dependent on the precision of the data.