Call Now to Set Up Tutoring:

(888) 888-0446

AP Physics 1 : Universal Gravitation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 1

Create An Account

All AP Physics 1 Resources

7 Diagnostic Tests 170 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Universal Gravitation

A certain planet has three times the radius of Earth and nine times the mass. How does the acceleration of gravity at the surface of this planet (a_g) compare to the acceleration at the surface of Earth (g)?

Possible Answers:

$\frac{g}{9}$

$\frac{g}{3}$

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The acceleration of gravity is given by the equation $a_{g} = \frac{GM}{r^{2}}$ , where G is constant.

For Earth, $a_{g} = \frac{GM_{earth}}{r_{earth}^{2}} = g$ .

For the new planet,

$a_{g} = \frac{G(9M_{earth})}{\left ( 3r_{earth} \right )^2} = \frac{G(9M_{earth})}{9r_{earth{}}^2} = \frac{GM_{earth}}{r_{earth}^{2}}} = g$ .

So, the acceleration is the same in both cases.

Report an Error

Example Question #1 : Universal Gravitation

A new planet is discovered with mass $3.21\cdot 10^{23}kg$ and with a diameter of $8.53\cdot 10^{3}km$ . What is the lowest escape velocity required to escape this planet's gravitational pull?

$G=6.67\cdot10^{-11}\frac{N\cdot m^2}{kg^2}$

Possible Answers:

$942\frac{m}{s}$

$4753\frac{m}{s}$

$7862\frac{m}{s}$

$1286\frac{m}{s}$

$3169\frac{m}{s}$

Correct answer:

$3169\frac{m}{s}$

Explanation:

The equation to calculate the escape velocity from a planet is

$v_{e}=\sqrt{\frac{2GM_{p}}{R_{p}}}$

The diameter of the planet is given and can be divided by two to determine the radius of the planet. By plugging in the given values, the escape velocity threshold can be determined:

$v_{e}=\sqrt{\frac{2(6.67\cdot10^{-11}\frac{N\cdot m^2}{kg^2})(3.21\cdot10^{23}kg)}{\frac{(8.53\cdot10^{6}m)}{}2}}=3169\frac{m}{s}$

Report an Error

Example Question #2 : Universal Gravitation

There are two isolated stars orbiting each other. The first star has a mass of $2\times10^{12}kg$ and the second star has a mass of $4.5\times10^{14}kg$ . If the stars are 2,000km away, what is the gravitational force felt by the first star?

$G=6.67\times10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s}$

Possible Answers:

$1.50\mathrm{x}10^4N$

$1.50\mathrm{x}10^{14}N$

None of the other answers

$1.50\mathrm{x}10^9N$

Correct answer:

$1.50\mathrm{x}10^4N$

Explanation:

We need to know Newton's law of universal gravitation to solve this problem:

$F = G \frac{m_1\cdot m_2}{r^2}$

It is important to note that both suns will feel the same gravitational force. However, since they have different masses, they will accelerate at different rates.

Plugging in the variables we have, we get:

$F = 6.67\mathrm{x}10^{-11} \frac{2\mathrm{x}10^{12}kg \cdot 4.5\mathrm{x}10^{14}kg}{(2\mathrm{x}10^6m)^2}$

$F = 1.50\mathrm{x}10^4N$

Report an Error

Example Question #41 : Forces

Two satellites in space, each with a mass of 2000kg , are 1500m apart from each other. What is the force of gravity between them?

$\small G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}$

Possible Answers:

$1.19*10^{-10}N$

$2.66*10^{-11}N$

$8.87*10^{-10}N$

$6.22*10^{-8}N$

$3.12*10^{-1}N$

Correct answer:

$1.19*10^{-10}N$

Explanation:

To solve this problem, use Newton's law of universal gravitation:

$F_G=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$

We are given the constant, as well as the satellite masses and distance (radius). Using these values we can solve for the force.

$F_G=(6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2})(\frac{(2000kg) (2000kg)}{(1500m)^2})$

$F_G=(6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2})(\frac{4000000kg^2}{2250000m^2})$

$F_G=1.19*10^{-10}N$

Report an Error

Example Question #3 : Universal Gravitation

Two satellites in space, each with a mass of 1723kg , are 890m apart from each other. What is the force of gravity between them?

$\small G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}$

Possible Answers:

$1.1*10^{3}N$

$1.25*10^{-19}N$

$2.5*10^{-20}N$

$2.2*10^{8}N$

$2.5*10^{-10}N$

Correct answer:

$2.5*10^{-10}N$

Explanation:

To solve this problem, use Newton's law of universal gravitation:

$F_G=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$

We are given the constant, as well as the satellite masses and distance (radius). Using these values we can solve for the force.

$F_G=(6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2})(\frac{(1723kg )(1723kg)}{(890m)^2})$

$F_G=(6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2})(\frac{2968729kg^2}{792100m^2})$

$F_G=2.5*10^{-10}N$

Report an Error

Example Question #3 : Universal Gravitation

Two satellites in space, each with equal mass, are 80m apart from each other. If the force of gravity between them is $2.88*10^{-10}N$ , what is the mass of each satellite?

$\small G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}$

Possible Answers:

1602.98kg

1.989kg

2022.44kg

2405.33kg

166.28kg

Correct answer:

166.28kg

Explanation:

To solve this problem, use Newton's law of universal gravitation:

$F_G=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$

We are given the value of the force, the distance (radius), and the gravitational constant. We are also told that the masses of the two satellites are equal. Since the masses are equal, we can reduce the numerator of the law of gravitation to a single variable.

$F_G=G\frac{M^2}{r^2}$

Now we can use our give values to solve for the mass.

$2.88*10^{-10}N=(6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2})(\frac{M^2}{(80m)^2})$

$\frac{2.88*10^{-10}N}{(6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2})}=\frac{M^2}{6400m^2}$

$4.32\frac{kg^2}{m^2}=\frac{M^2}{6400m^2}$

$6400m^2* 4.32\frac{kg^2}{m^2}=M^2$

27648kg^2=M^2

$\sqrt{27648kg^2}=\sqrt{M^2}$

166.28kg=M

Report an Error

Example Question #4 : Universal Gravitation

Two asteroids in space are in close proximity to each other. Each has a mass of $6.69*10^{15}kg$ . If they are 100,000m apart, what is the gravitational force between them?

$\small G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}$

Possible Answers:

$3.01*10^{-8}N$

$2.99*10^{11}N$

$5.98*10^{12}N$

$1.11*10^{30}N$

$1.49*10^{-32}N$

Correct answer:

$2.99*10^{11}N$

Explanation:

To solve this problem, use Newton's law of universal gravitation:

$F_G=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$

We are given the constant, as well as the asteroid masses and distance (radius). Using these values we can solve for the force.

$F_G=(6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2})(\frac{(6.69*10^{15}kg )(6.69*10^{15}kg )}{(100,000m)^2})$

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}(\frac{4.48*10^{31}kg^2}{10*10^9m^2})$

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}(4.48*10^{21}\frac{kg^2}{m^2})$

$F_G=2.99*10^{11}N$

Report an Error

Example Question #1 : Universal Gravitation

Two asteroids in space are in close proximity to each other. Each has a mass of $6.69*10^{15}kg$ . If they are 100,000m apart, what is the gravitational acceleration that they experience?

$\small G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}$

Possible Answers:

$6.69*10^{15}\frac{m}{s^2}$

$3.89*10^{10}\frac{m}{s^2}$

$4.47*10^{-5}\frac{m}{s^2}$

$5.12*10^{4}\frac{m}{s^2}$

$2.99*10^{11}\frac{m}{s^2}$

Correct answer:

$4.47*10^{-5}\frac{m}{s^2}$

Explanation:

Given that F=ma , we already know the mass, but we need to find the force in order to solve for the acceleration.

To solve this problem, use Newton's law of universal gravitation:

$F_G=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$

We are given the constant, as well as the satellite masses and distance (radius). Using these values we can solve for the force.

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}(\frac{(6.69*10^{15}kg)(6.69*10^{15}kg)}{(100,000m)^2})$

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2} (\frac{4.48*10^{31}kg^2}{10*10^9m^2})$

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}(4.48*10^{21}\frac{kg^2}{m^2})$

$F_G=2.99*10^{11}N$

Now we have values for both the mass and the force, allowing us to solve for the acceleration.

F=ma

$2.99*10^{11}N=(6.69*10^{15}kg)a$

$\frac{2.99*10^{11}N}{6.69*10^{15}kg}{}=a$

$4.47*10^{-5}\frac{m}{s^2}=a$

Report an Error

Example Question #1 : Universal Gravitation

Two asteroids, one with a mass of $7.12*10^{18}kg$ and the other with mass 5.33*10^8kg , are $10*10^{10}m$ apart. What is the gravitational force on the LARGER asteroid?

$\small G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}$

Possible Answers:

$2.53*10^{-5}N$

$3.55*10^{-6}N$

3.79*10^5N

$4.61*10^{-10}N$

$4.74*10^{-6}N$

Correct answer:

$2.53*10^{-5}N$

Explanation:

To solve this problem, use Newton's law of universal gravitation:

$F_G=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$

We are given the constant, as well as the asteroid masses and distance (radius). Using these values we can solve for the force.

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}( \frac{(7.12*10^{18}kg)(5.33*10^{8}kg)}{(10*10^{10}m)^2})$

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2} (\frac{3.79*10^{27}kg}{10*10^{21}m^2})$

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2} (3.79*10^5\frac{kg^2}{m^2})$

$F_G=2.53*10^{-5}N$

It actually doesn't matter which asteroid we're looking at; the gravitational force will be the same. This makes sense because Newton's 3rd law states that the force one asteroid exerts on the other is equal in magnitude, but opposite in direction, to the force the other asteroid exerts on it.

Report an Error

Example Question #3 : Universal Gravitation

Two asteroids, one with a mass of $7.12*10^{18}kg$ and the other with mass 5.33*10^8kg are $10*10^{10}m$ apart. What is the gravitational force on the SMALLER asteroid?

$\small G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}$

Possible Answers:

$4.74*10^{-14}N$

3.79*10^5N

$3.55*10^{-24}N$

$2.53*10^{-5}N$

$1.11*10^{12}N$

Correct answer:

$2.53*10^{-5}N$

Explanation:

To solve this problem, use Newton's law of universal gravitation:

$F_G=G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$

We are given the constant, as well as the asteroid masses and distance (radius). Using these values we can solve for the force.

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2}( \frac{(7.12*10^{18}kg)(5.33*10^{8}kg)}{(10*10^{10}m)^2})$

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2} (\frac{3.79*10^{27}kg}{10*10^{21}m^2})$

$F_G=6.67*10^{-11}\frac{m^3}{kg\cdot s^2} (3.79*10^5\frac{kg^2}{m^2})$

$F_G=2.53*10^{-5}N$

Report an Error

View AP Physics 1 Tutors

Siddharth
Certified Tutor

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies and, Masters in Business Administration, Aviation Management.

View AP Physics 1 Tutors

Jeremy
Certified Tutor

University of Illinois at Chicago, Bachelor of Science, Physics.

View AP Physics 1 Tutors

Daniel
Certified Tutor

The University of Texas at Dallas, Bachelor of Science, Psychology.

All AP Physics 1 Resources

7 Diagnostic Tests 170 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Popular Subjects

Algebra Tutors in Atlanta, Calculus Tutors in Boston, French Tutors in Dallas Fort Worth, Calculus Tutors in Phoenix, LSAT Tutors in Houston, GRE Tutors in Miami, Reading Tutors in Dallas Fort Worth, Computer Science Tutors in Phoenix, GMAT Tutors in Washington DC, Statistics Tutors in San Francisco-Bay Area

Popular Courses & Classes

ISEE Courses & Classes in Chicago, Spanish Courses & Classes in New York City, ISEE Courses & Classes in New York City, SSAT Courses & Classes in Seattle, Spanish Courses & Classes in San Diego, GMAT Courses & Classes in Houston, GRE Courses & Classes in Denver, LSAT Courses & Classes in Denver, GRE Courses & Classes in San Francisco-Bay Area, LSAT Courses & Classes in Phoenix

Popular Test Prep

GMAT Test Prep in Washington DC, MCAT Test Prep in Seattle, GRE Test Prep in San Francisco-Bay Area, ISEE Test Prep in Seattle, GMAT Test Prep in Atlanta, SSAT Test Prep in Los Angeles, GRE Test Prep in Atlanta, LSAT Test Prep in Philadelphia, SAT Test Prep in Phoenix, MCAT Test Prep in Dallas Fort Worth

DMCA Complaint

If you believe that content available by means of the Website (as defined in our Terms of Service) infringes one or more of your copyrights, please notify us by providing a written notice (“Infringement Notice”) containing the information described below to the designated agent listed below. If Varsity Tutors takes action in response to an Infringement Notice, it will make a good faith attempt to contact the party that made such content available by means of the most recent email address, if any, provided by such party to Varsity Tutors.

Your Infringement Notice may be forwarded to the party that made the content available or to third parties such as ChillingEffects.org.

Please be advised that you will be liable for damages (including costs and attorneys’ fees) if you materially misrepresent that a product or activity is infringing your copyrights. Thus, if you are not sure content located on or linked-to by the Website infringes your copyright, you should consider first contacting an attorney.

Please follow these steps to file a notice:

You must include the following:

A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on their behalf; An identification of the copyright claimed to have been infringed; A description of the nature and exact location of the content that you claim to infringe your copyright, in \ sufficient detail to permit Varsity Tutors to find and positively identify that content; for example we require a link to the specific question (not just the name of the question) that contains the content and a description of which specific portion of the question – an image, a link, the text, etc – your complaint refers to; Your name, address, telephone number and email address; and A statement by you: (a) that you believe in good faith that the use of the content that you claim to infringe your copyright is not authorized by law, or by the copyright owner or such owner’s agent; (b) that all of the information contained in your Infringement Notice is accurate, and (c) under penalty of perjury, that you are either the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on their behalf.

Send your complaint to our designated agent at:

Charles Cohn Varsity Tutors LLC
101 S. Hanley Rd, Suite 300
St. Louis, MO 63105

Or fill out the form below:

Do not fill in this field

Contact Information

* Full legal name

Company name

* Phone number

* Email address

Address

* Address1

Address2

* City

* State

* Zipcode

* Country

Complaint Details

* URL of copyrighted work (where your original material is located)

* Please describe the copyrighted work so that it may be easily identified

I am the owner, or an agent authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

I have a good faith belief that the use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.

This notification is accurate.

I acknowledge that there may be adverse legal consequences for making false or bad faith allegations of copyright infringement by using this process.

* Signature (your digital signature is legally binding)

HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATE SCHOOL

K-8

Search 50+ Tests

math tutoring

science tutoring

foreign languages

elementary tutoring

other

Search 350+ Subjects

AP Physics 1 : Universal Gravitation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 1

All AP Physics 1 Resources

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Universal Gravitation

Example Question #1 : Universal Gravitation

Example Question #2 : Universal Gravitation

Example Question #41 : Forces

Example Question #3 : Universal Gravitation

Example Question #3 : Universal Gravitation

Example Question #4 : Universal Gravitation

Example Question #1 : Universal Gravitation

Example Question #1 : Universal Gravitation

Example Question #3 : Universal Gravitation

All AP Physics 1 Resources

Report an issue with this question

DMCA Complaint

Contact Information

Address

Complaint Details

Email address:
Your name:
Feedback: