An object drops a distance h in a time of 6.3 s on the surface of the earth (neglecting air effects). How long would it take the same object to drop the same distance on the surface of spherical asteroid X having a mass of 1.1 × 10²² kg and a radius of 4.0 × 10⁵ m? (G = 6.67 × 10^-11 N ∙ m²/kg², Mearth = 5.97 × 10²⁴ kg, Rearth = 6.38 × 10⁶ m)

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational acceleration on asteroid X is less than that on Earth due to its smaller mass and size. This results in a longer time to fall the same distance. Calculating the gravitational acceleration on asteroid X and comparing it to Earth's, we find the time to be approximately 9.2 s.

An Object Drops a Distance H in a Time of 6.3