Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsGravitation
Assume the acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the earth is 10 m/s ^2 , while at the surface of Mars it is 4.0 m/s ^2 . A 60 kg passenger journeys from the earth to Mars in a spaceship travelling at a constant velocity. Neglecting all other objects in space, which curve in the figure best illustrates the weight (net gravitational force) of the passenger as a function of time?
Options
- AB
- BA
- CD
- DC
Correct answer
D. C
Step-by-step solution
The initial weight of the passenger on Earth is W_E = mg_E = 60 10 = 600 N . The final weight of the passenger on Mars is W_M = mg_M = 60 4.0 = 240 N . The net gravitational force (weight) on the passenger during the journey is the magnitude of the vector sum of the gravitational forces due to Earth and Mars. Since these forces act in opposite directions, the net force is F_ net = |F_E - F_M| . As the spaceship travels from Earth to Mars, the gravitational force due to Earth ( F_E ) decreases while the force due to