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 214 pounds on the surface of the Earth, what will this astronaut weigh 500 miles above the Earth? Assume that the radius of the Earth is 4000 miles.

Question

amistre64 · Answer

inversely suggests the constant of variation is a product:

F(d^2) = k

F = k/(d)^2

amistre64 · Answer

k = 214/(4000)^2

k = ?/(4500)^2

equate the two and solve

amistre64 · Answer

almost typed that correctly :/

amistre64 · Answer

k = 214(4000)^2

k = ?(4500)^2

214(4000)^2 = ?(4500)^2

thats better

anonymous · Answer

I am still confused.

amistre64 · Answer

your going to have to be more explicit than that since i cannot read minds ... yet :)

anonymous · Answer

would x be the question mark

amistre64 · Answer

i spose you could use an "x", since it is conventionally considered to stand in the place of an unknown.

amistre64 · Answer

i would have used an F since Force starts with an F