Problem 9-56 Vector Gravitational Field - Part 3B - B

A spaceprobe is at the position shown in the figure. Use components to determine the gravitational acceleration (magnitude and direction) of the probe due to the effects of the earth and moon. The masses of the earth and moon are \(6.0 \times10^{24}\; kg\) and \(7.4 \times 10^{22} \; kg\), respectively.

Diagram of space probe.

Accumulated Solution

Diagram of space probe.

\(g = GM/r^2\)

No. Look carefully at the drawing and imagine that only the \(x\) components are present. What is the sign of the \(x\) component?

Solution \(g_e\) \(g_m\)
(A) - 0
(B) + +
(C) + -
(D) - +