Kenneth A. answered 23h
Experienced Tutor in Criminal Justice, Law, History, math, and writing
Let’s solve this step-by-step carefully.
Given:
- Gravitational force F x 1/r2
- Astronaut’s weight on Earth’s surface F1= 215 lbs
- Earth’s radius r1 4,000 miles
- Height above Earth h = 400 miles
- New distance from Earth’s center r2 4,000 + 400 = 4,400 miles
Step 1: Write the inverse-square relationship
F1 = r2
F2 r2⁄1
Step 2: Solve for F2
F2 = F1 x r 2⁄1 / 2⁄2
Step 3: Substitute the values
F2 = 215 x 4,0002 ⁄ 4,4002
Step 4: Compute Carefully
• 4,0002 16,000,000
• 4,4002 19,360,000
F2 = 215 x 16,000,000
19,360,000
F2 = 215 x 0.8264 = 177.7
Final Answer: 177.7
So, the astronaut would weigh about 178 pounds at 400 miles above the Earth’s surface.
Jacob W.
21d