An exoplanet, 0.01% the mass of the Sun, orbits a star 2 times the mass of the Sun at a distance of 1AU = 1.5x10^8 km. Using Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, determine the force between the exoplanet and the star. Mass of Sun = 2x10^30kg.

This question is not particularly tricky as long as it is read carefully.
First, calculate the masses of the Star and the Exoplanet. Double the mass to find the star mass (M). To find the planet mass, multiply by 0.01/100 = 1x10-4. Mass of Star: m1 = 2 x 2x1030 = 4x1030kg Mass of Exoplanet: m2 = 1x10-4 x 2x1030 = 2x1026kg
Notice that the distance was given in km. You must convert to metres as the equation will only give the correct answer if Standard Units (SI units) are used. Therefore:
r = 1.5x1011m
Now all that's left to do it substitute into the equation:
F = Gm1m2/r2
Where:G = Gravitational Constant (from data sheet) = 6.67x10-11 m3 kg-1 s-2and m1, m2 and r are as they are above.
F = ((6.67x10-11)(4x1030)(2x1026))/((1.5x1011)2)
F = 2.372x1024NF = 2.4x1024N

Related Physics Scottish Highers answers

All answers ▸

A drone is hovering at a constant height above the ground. The mass of the drone is 7 kg. The mass of the package is 3 kg. Calculate the upward force of the Drone.


A circuit with a cell of voltage 6V and two resistors of resistance 6 Ohms each connected in parallel. What is the current through the Cell?


A photon of wavelength 656.3nm is emitted in the Balmer series of a Hydrogen emission lamp. (a). Show that the frequency of the photon is 4.57*10^14 Hz. (b).Use the Planck-Einstein relationship to calculate the energy of the photon.


Explain the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions.


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