When a falling meteoroid is at a distance above the Earth\'s surface of 2.50 tim

Question

When a falling meteoroid is at a distance above the Earth's surface of 2.50 times the Earth's radius, what is its acceleration due to the Earth's gravitation? How much work is done by the Moon's gravitational field as a 920 kg meteor comes in from outer space and impacts on the Moon's surface? Your response differs from the correct answer by more than 10%. Double check your calculations. J How much energy is required to move a 950 kg object from the Earth's surface to an altitude twice the Earth's radius?

Explanation / Answer

1. g = GM/R^2

g' = GM / (R + 2.50R)^2 = (GM/R^2) / 12.25 = g/12.25 = 0.8 m/s2

2. work done = change in P.E. = GMm /R

6.67 x 10-11 x 7.35 x 10^22 x 920 / 1737400 = 2.60 x 10^9 J

3. energy required= change in P.E.

= 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 10^24 x 920 ( 1 / (6371000) - 1 /(2 x 6371000))

= 2.875 x 10^10 J

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