The gravitational field at the Earth due to the Moon is about (G = 6.67 × 10^-11 N m²/kg², the mass of the Moon is 7.35 × 10²² kg, and the distance to the Moon is 3.85 × 10⁸ m) A) 2.90 × 10^-5 N/kg away from the Moon. B) 3.31 × 10^-5 N/kg toward the Moon. C) 4.01 × 10^-5 N/kg toward the Moon. D) 3.31 × 10^-5 N/kg away from the Moon. E) 7.50 × 10^-5 N/kg away from the Moon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational field at a point due to a massive object is given by the formula g = G(M/r^2), where M is the mass of the object, r is the distance from the object, and G is the gravitational constant. In this case, the gravitational field at Earth due to the Moon can be calculated as:

g = (6.67 × 10^-11 N m^2/kg^2)(7.35 × 10^22 kg)/(3.85 × 10^8 m)^2
g = 2.70 × 10^-5 N/kg

Since the Earth is attracted towards the Moon, the gravitational field should be directed towards the Moon. Therefore, the best choice is B: 3.31 × 10^-5 N/kg toward the Moon.

The Gravitational Field at the Earth Due to the Moon