From what height above the surface of the earth should an object be dropped to initially experience an acceleration of 0.9200g? The radius of the earth is 6.38 × 10⁶ m. A) 272 km B) 260 km C) 554 km D) 510 km

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acceleration due to gravity at a distance $r$ from the center of the Earth is given by $g' = g\left(\frac{R}{r}\right)^2$, where $R$ is the radius of the Earth and $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the Earth. Given $g' = 0.9200g$, we can solve for $r$ and then find the height above the Earth's surface by subtracting the Earth's radius. Solving for $r$ gives a height of approximately 272 km above the Earth's surface.

From What Height Above the Surface of the Earth Should