Calculate the magnitudes of the gravitational forces exerted on the Moon by the

Question

Calculate the magnitudes of the gravitational forces exerted on the Moon by the Sun and by the Earth when the two forces are in direct competition, that is, when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned with the Moon between the Sun and the Earth. (This alignment corresponds to a solar eclipse.) (The mass of the Sun is 1.99 1030 kg, the mass of the Earth is 5.97 1024 kg, the mass of the Moon is 7.344 1022 kg, the distance between the Sun and the Earth is 1.496 1011 m, and the distance between the Earth and the Moon is 3.844 108 m.)

magnitude of the force exerted on the Moon by the Sun?
magnitude of the force exerted on the Moon by the Earth?
Does the orbit of the Moon ever actually curve away from the Sun, toward the Earth?

Explanation / Answer

Force = GmM/r^2 = a) Moon sun = 6.67*10^-11*1.99*10^30*7.344*10^22/(1.496*10^11 - 3.844*10^8)^2 = 4.378*10^20N b) Moon earth = 6.67*10^-11*5.97*10^24*7.344*10^22/(3.844*10^8)^2 = 1.979*10^20N c) No

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse C
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.