Use the following data to find the point between Earth and the Sun at which an object can be placed so that the net gravitational force exerted by Earth and the Sun on that object is zero.

Earth
mass=5.98*10^24 kg
radius=6.38*10^6 meters
distance from sun=1.496*10^11 meters

Sun
mass=1.991*10^30 kg
radius=6.9*10^8 meters

Question

Use the following data  to find the point between Earth and the Sun at which an object can be placed so that the net gravitational force exerted by Earth and the Sun on that object is zero.

Earth
mass=5.98*10^24 kg
radius=6.38*10^6 meters
distance from sun=1.496*10^11 meters

Sun
mass=1.991*10^30 kg
radius=6.9*10^8 meters

anonymous · Answer

@amistre64 @Agent_Sniffles ? anyone?

amistre64 · Answer

there is some formula relating mass and gravity to distance squared isnt there?

anonymous · Answer

Gm1m2/r^2=Fg

amistre64 · Answer

correct; so when does the inputs of one equal the inputs of the other?

amistre64 · Answer

|dw:1353870946039:dw|

when does Fg1 = Fg2?

amistre64 · Answer

another idea is, would that also be considered the center of gravity for the sun earth system?

anonymous · Answer

when Fg=0

amistre64 · Answer

hmmm, we are given masses; and distance; do you think that distance would be center to center? or ... surface to surface?

anonymous · Answer

surface to surface?

amistre64 · Answer

i think center of gravity would work nicely; the the Fg idea should also work

anonymous · Answer

nvm i got it. i forgot to add the radii to the total distance. Thanks anyway!

amistre64 · Answer

;)  good job