What would be the weight of a 59.1-kg astronaut on a planet with the same density as Earth and having twice Earth's radius?

Question

Physics

Paul

10 May, 13:50

What would be the weight of a 59.1-kg astronaut on a planet with the same density as Earth and having twice Earth's radius?

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Answers (1)

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Susannah · Answer 1

You could always directly use F = G M m / r², but that takes forever.

It is best to know that, on Earth's surface, the astronaut would weigh

F = m g = 579.2 N

where m = 59.1 kg and g = 9.8 m/s².

You then notice from F = G M m / r² that doubling the mass of the earth would double his weight and doubling the radius would give 1/4 his original weight. So ...

F = 1/4 * 2 * 579.2 N = 290 N