F is the force of gravity in newtons. G is the gravitational constant, 6.67 x 10-11 meters3 kilogram-1 seconds-2 . M is the mass of the first object in kilograms. m is the mass of the second object in kilograms. R is the distance between the centers of both objects in meters. The weight of an object is simply the strength of the gravitational force on that object. Near the surface of a planet, we can calculate weight using the following simplified equation: w is the weight of an object in newtons. m is the mass of an object in kilograms. g is the gravitational acceleration of that object in meters/second2 .
For the following calculations, use the masses and radii listed in the Solar System Data above.
a) Use Newton's Law of Gravity and the definition of weight to derive an equation that would allow you to calculate the strength of the gravitational acceleration on objects that are near a planet's surface. You can assume that for an object resting on the surface of a planet, the size of the object is negligible compared to the radius of the planet. b) Calculate the gravitational acceleration on an object near Earth's surface.
c) Calculate the gravitational acceleration on an object near the surface of Mars.
d) If an astronaut weighs 200 pounds (890 newtons) on Earth, what does he weigh on Mars?