A satellite encircles Mars at a distance above its surface equal to 3 times the radius of Mars.If g_m is the acceleration due to gravity at the surface of Mars,what is the acceleration due to gravity at the location of the satellite? A)g_m/9 B)0 C)g_m D)g_m/3 E)g_m/16

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance from the center of the planet. At a distance of 4 times the radius (1 radius for Mars itself + 3 radii above the surface), the acceleration is g_m/16.

A Satellite Encircles Mars at a Distance Above Its Surface