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Astronauts on the moon. Astronauts on our moon must function with an acceleration due to gravity of 0.170\(g\) , (a) If an astronaut can throw a certain wrench 12.0 m vertically upward on earth, how high could he throw it on our moon if he gives it the same starting speed in both places? (b) How much longer would it be in motion (going up and coming down) on the moon than on earth?

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) 69.2 m high on the moon. (b) 14.92 s longer on the moon.

Step by step solution

01

Identify Known Variables

On Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is \(g = 9.8\, \text{m/s}^2\). On the Moon, the acceleration is \(0.170g = 0.170 \times 9.8\, \text{m/s}^2\). We know that when thrown from Earth, the wrench reaches a height of \(12.0\, \text{m}\). We are to find the maximum height on the Moon when the initial velocity \(v_0\) is the same as on Earth.
02

Find Initial Velocity on Earth

Use the kinematic equation for maximum height: \(v^2 = v_0^2 - 2gh\), where \(v = 0\) at max height, \(h = -12.0\, \text{m}\), and \(g= 9.8\, \text{m/s}^2\). Rearrange to find \(v_0^2 = 2gh\).\[v_0^2 = 2 \times 9.8 \times 12.0\]\[v_0 = \sqrt{235.2}\]\[v_0 \approx 15.34\, \text{m/s}\]
03

Calculate Maximum Height on the Moon

Now, use the same initial velocity \(v_0\), but with the moon's gravity \(g_{moon} = 1.7\, \text{m/s}^2\) in the height formula \(v^2 = v_0^2 - 2g_{moon}h_{moon}\), solve for \(h_{moon}\).\[0 = (15.34)^2 - 2 \times 1.7 \times h_{moon}\]\[h_{moon} = \frac{(15.34)^2}{2 \times 1.7}\]\[h_{moon} \approx 69.2 \text{ m}\]
04

Calculate Time in Motion on Earth

The time for upward motion is given by \(t_{up} = \frac{v_0}{g}\). On Earth,\[t_{up} = \frac{15.34}{9.8}\]\[t_{up} \approx 1.565 \text{ s}\].The total time on Earth including upwards and downwards travel, \(t_{earth} = 2 \times t_{up} \approx 3.13 \text{ s}\).
05

Calculate Time in Motion on the Moon

Similarly, use \(t_{moon} = \frac{v_0}{g_{moon}}\) for the Moon's upward time:\[t_{up\_moon} = \frac{15.34}{1.7}\]\[t_{up\_moon} \approx 9.0235 \text{ s}\].For both up and down, \(t_{total\_moon} = 2 \times t_{up\_moon} \approx 18.05 \text{ s}\).
06

Calculate Time Difference

The difference in motion time is \(\Delta t = t_{total\_moon} - t_{earth}\).\[\Delta t = 18.05 - 3.13\]\[\Delta t \approx 14.92 \text{ s}\].

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Gravity on the Moon
Gravity on the Moon is quite different from that on the Earth. The acceleration due to gravity on the Moon is about one-sixth that of Earth. Specifically, it is approximately 1.7 m/s².
This weaker gravitational pull means that objects will fall more slowly and attain higher altitudes for the same initial velocity, compared to when they are on Earth.
Without a dense atmosphere to slow them down, objects can move freely and exhibit unique motion characteristics while on the Moon.
Understanding the Moon's gravity allows you to predict how different forces will interact with objects, allowing astronauts to better plan their movements and missions.
In this context, gravity affects how high an astronaut can throw objects and how long they remain in motion.
Projectile Motion
Projectile motion refers to the motion of an object that is thrown into the air with an initial velocity and is subject solely to the force of gravity.
This type of motion is characterized by a distinct parabolic trajectory as the object moves both horizontally and vertically.
When analyzing projectile motion on the Moon, it's critical to consider the unique gravity present, as it directly influences the trajectory and maximum height of the object.
The initial speed at which the object is launched, along with the gravitational pull, dictates how high and far it will travel.
In the exercise, an astronaut throws a wrench on Earth and the Moon at the same initial speed, but the difference in gravity leads to different maximum heights reached.
Kinematic Equations
Kinematic equations are crucial for analyzing the motion of objects moving under constant acceleration, such as with projectile motion.
These equations allow us to calculate various parameters such as displacement, velocity, and time of flight.
In this exercise, the kinematic equation for maximum height is used:
\[v^2 = v_0^2 - 2gh\]
This formula helps us find the initial velocity, determine how high an object will rise, and also allows us to compute the time taken for different stages of motion.
By using these equations, you can solve problems related to both Earth and Moon conditions, simply by adapting the gravitational value.
These mathematical tools make it easier to predict and understand the behavior of moving objects, enabling you to tackle various physics problems effectively.
Acceleration Due To Gravity
Acceleration due to gravity is a fundamental parameter that influences how objects move under the influence of gravitational forces.
On Earth, this is typically 9.8 m/s², while on the Moon it is significantly less at approximately 1.7 m/s².
This difference causes objects to behave differently on each celestial body.
For example, on the Moon, objects will fall slower and travel higher when projected with the same force compared to Earth.
This variable is a constant in many physics equations, helping us to calculate the effects of gravity on different objects.
Understanding this concept is key to solving problems related to free-fall and projectile motion, such as those involving comparisons between Earth and the Moon.

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