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Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, having a mass and radius that are, respectively, 318 and 11.2 times that of earth. Suppose that an object falls from rest near the surface of each planet and that the acceleration due to gravity remains constant during the fall. Each object falls the same distance before striking the ground. Determine the ratio of the time of fall on Jupiter to that on earth.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The time ratio of fall on Jupiter to Earth is approximately 0.63.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Relationship Between Mass, Radius, and Gravity

On any planet, the acceleration due to gravity, \( g \), is determined by the formula \( g = \frac{G M}{R^2} \), where \( G \) is the gravitational constant, \( M \) is the mass, and \( R \) is the radius of the planet. Given that Jupiter's mass is 318 times that of Earth and its radius is 11.2 times that of Earth, we can express Jupiter's gravity \( g_J \) relative to Earth's gravity \( g_E \).
02

Calculate Jupiter's Gravity Relative to Earth's

Using the formula and the given ratios for mass and radius, calculate \( g_J \):\[ g_J = \frac{G \, (318M_E)}{(11.2R_E)^2} = \frac{318G M_E}{125.44R_E^2} = \frac{318}{125.44} \, g_E. \]Thus, \( g_J = 2.536 \, g_E \).
03

Relate the Time of Fall to Gravity

The time of fall from rest is given by \( t = \sqrt{\frac{2d}{g}} \), where \( d \) is the distance fallen. Since we need the time ratio \( \frac{t_J}{t_E} \) and both objects fall the same distance \( d \), the simplified ratio becomes:\[ \frac{t_J}{t_E} = \sqrt{\frac{g_E}{g_J}}. \]
04

Compute the Time Ratio

Substitute \( g_J = 2.536 \, g_E \) in the time ratio equation:\[ \frac{t_J}{t_E} = \sqrt{\frac{g_E}{2.536g_E}} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{2.536}} \approx 0.63. \]

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Key Concepts

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

Jupiter
Jupiter is renowned as the largest planet within our solar system, towering in mass and size compared to Earth. It holds a mass that is 318 times greater, showcasing its colossal nature. Additionally, its radius is 11.2 times that of Earth, further indicating its significant scale.
This enormous size and mass play a crucial role in the gravitational forces experienced on Jupiter. Gravitational forces are responsible for the unique environment on the planet, setting it apart from others in our solar system. Understanding these differences is fundamental to appreciating the dynamics of Jupiter's gravity.
planetary mass and radius
The mass and radius of a planet are pivotal in determining the gravitational acceleration, which affects how objects move and fall on that planet. Every planet's gravity depends on its mass and radius as described by the formula:
  • \( g = \frac{G M}{R^2} \)
Here, \( G \) is the universal gravitational constant, \( M \) is the planet's mass, and \( R \) is its radius. By understanding these relationships, we can scrutinize the gravitational differences between planets like Earth and Jupiter.
In our example, Jupiter, being 318 times more massive and 11.2 times larger in radius than Earth, means the gravitational acceleration differs significantly. By substituting these values into the formula, Jupiter's gravity is found to be approximately 2.536 times stronger than Earth's gravity.
falling object time calculation
When an object falls from a certain height on a planet's surface, the time it takes is influenced by the planet's gravitational acceleration. This time, called the time of fall, can be calculated using the equation:
  • \( t = \sqrt{\frac{2d}{g}} \)
In this equation, \( d \) is the distance the object falls, and \( g \) is the gravitational acceleration of the planet. The formula indicates that stronger gravitational acceleration results in a shorter time of fall.
To compare the fall time on Jupiter to that on Earth, we compute the ratio \( \frac{t_J}{t_E} = \sqrt{\frac{g_E}{g_J}} \). With Jupiter's gravity calculated as 2.536 times Earth’s, the time ratio simplifies to approximately 0.63, meaning an object falls faster on Jupiter than on Earth for the same distance.
gravity comparison between planets
Understanding gravity across different planets involves comparing the gravitational forces they exert on objects at their surfaces. This can help illuminate the significant variance among planets like Earth and Jupiter.
Jupiter's immense mass and size lead to a much greater gravitational force compared to Earth. The calculation \( g_J = 2.536 \times g_E \) highlights Jupiter's stronger gravitational pull. This showcases how different planetary conditions can influence the motion of objects, such as falling times, resulting in faster falls and more intense gravitational effects on larger planets such as Jupiter.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A student presses a book between his hands, as the drawing indicates. The forces that he exerts on the front and back covers of the book are perpendicular to the book and are horizontal. The book weighs \(31 \mathrm{~N}\). The coefficient of static friction between his hands and the book is \(0.40 .\) To keep the book from falling, what is the magnitude of the minimum pressing force that each hand must exert?

While moving in, a new homeowner is pushing a box across the floor at a constant velocity. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the floor is \(0.41 .\) The pushing force is directed downward at an angle \(\theta\) below the horizontal. When \(\theta\) is greater than a certain value, it is not possible to move the box, no matter how large the pushing force is. Find that value of \(\theta\).

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Synchronous communications satellites are placed in a circular orbit that is \(3.59 \times 10^{7} \mathrm{~m}\) above the surface of the earth. What is the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity at this distance?

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