Kathy T.

asked • 06/23/25

Applications Variation

The gravitational Force F between an object and the Earth is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the object to the Center of the Earth if an astronaut weighs 215 lb on the surface of the Earth what will this astronaut weigh 400 miles above the Earth assume that the radius of the Earth is 4000 miles


Geometry Dash

8 Answers By Expert Tutors

By:

Jacob W.

tutor
Additionally, the problem can be solved by observing that the ratio of F_1 / F_2 = (r_2 / r_1)^2, where F_1 is the original force of 215lbs, F_2 is the force when the astronaut is 400 miles above the surface, and r_1 = 4000miles and r_2 = 4400miles, so F_1 / (r_2 / r_1)^2 = F_2 so 215lbs / (4400miles / 4000miles)^2 = F_2 and finally 177.69 = F_2
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21d

Mark M. answered • 06/23/25

Tutor
5.0 (278)

Mathematics Teacher - NCLB Highly Qualified

Christina P.

tutor
Mark, you forgot to square the distances. This would give a weight of approximately 177.7 pounds.
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06/24/25

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