Question

What will be the gravitational force on 60 kg man on the Moon, Mars and Jupiter? Are they the same? Why?

M (Moon) = 7.36 × 10²² kg, R (Moon) = 1.74 × 10⁶m,

M (Mars) = 6.4 × 10²³ kg, R (Mars) = 3.395 × 10⁶ m,

M (Jupiter) = 1.9 × 10²⁷ kg.

R (Jupiter) = 7.15 × 10⁷ m,

G = 6.67 × 10^-11 N.m/kg²

Answer 1

(1) Data : m₁ = 60 kg, m₂ = 7.36 × 10²² kg,

R = 1.74 × 10⁶ m, F = ?

= 97.29 N

On the moon’s surface, the gravitational force on the man due to the moon = 97.29 N.

(2) Data : m₁ = 60 kg, m₂ = 6.4 × 10²³ kg,

R = 3.395 × 10⁶m, F = ?

= 222.2 N

On the surface of Mars, the gravitational force on the man due to Mars = 222.2 N.

(3) Data : m₁ = 60 kg, m₂ = 1.9 × 10²⁷ kg,

R = 7.15 × 10⁷ m, F = ?

= 1487 N

On the surface of Jupiter, the gravitational force on the man due to Jupiter = 1487 N.

Thus, the forces on the man are not the same because the ratio (M/R²) is not the same in the case of the moon, Mars, and Jupiter.