There is a point between the Moon and the Earth where the gravitational attractions are equal and opposite. How much further is this point from the Earth than the Moon

Using the formula for gravitational attraction between the Moon/Earth and a test mass, m. We determine FE = (G*ME m)/(rE2 ), FM = (GMM*m )/ (rM2). Setting these two forces equal to each other and rearranging gives us the formula: rM2 = (MM/ME ) * rE2. Taking the square root of both sides, and noting the distances, r, should always be positive we get distance from the Earth is sqrt(MM/ME). 

Answered by Paul D. Physics tutor

6684 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why objects in free fall drop to the ground at the same speed, regardless of their mass.


Show that the orbital period of a satellite is given by T^2=(4pi^2r^3)/(GM) where r is the orbital radius, G is the gravitational constant and M is the mass of the Earth. Then find the orbital radius of a geostationary satellite.


State similarity and difference between the electric field lines and the gravitational field lines around an isolated positively charged metal sphere.


An electron is moving with speed 2x10^5ms-1 through a magnetic field of strength 0.5T. If the electrons velocity is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field, what is the magnitude of the force felt by the electron?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences