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). 

PD

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is EMF? How do we test for it?


A metal detector consists of a battery providing an alternating current to a transmitter coil and a receiver coil connected to a loudspeaker. Using Faraday's Law of Induction explain how a metal detector works. (5 marks)


What is meant by an excited atom?


An aeroplane lands on the runway with a velocity of 50 m/s and decelerates at 10 m/s^2 to a velocity of 20 m/s. Calculate the distance travelled on the runway.