Math Problem Statement

solve for m

Solution

The equation provided is Newton's law of universal gravitation:

F=GmMr2F = G \frac{mM}{r^2}

To solve for mm, we need to isolate mm on one side of the equation.

Step 1: Isolate mm

Multiply both sides of the equation by r2r^2 to remove the fraction:

Fr2=GmMF \cdot r^2 = G \cdot mM

Step 2: Solve for mm

Next, divide both sides by GMGM to isolate mm:

m=Fr2GMm = \frac{F \cdot r^2}{G \cdot M}

So, the expression for mm is:

m=Fr2GMm = \frac{F \cdot r^2}{G \cdot M}

This is the formula to calculate the mass mm based on the gravitational force FF, the gravitational constant GG, the mass MM of the other object, and the distance rr between the centers of the two masses.

Would you like any further explanation or have other questions?


Here are five related questions you might explore:

  1. What is the value of GG (the gravitational constant), and how does it affect the calculation of mm?
  2. How would the formula change if we were solving for rr instead of mm?
  3. Can you describe a physical scenario where this equation might be applied?
  4. How does the gravitational force FF change if the distance rr is doubled?
  5. What are the units of mm if FF is in newtons, rr in meters, MM in kilograms, and GG in Nm2/kg2\text{N} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2?

Tip: Understanding how to manipulate algebraic equations is crucial in physics, especially when dealing with formulas like Newton's law of universal gravitation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Newton's law of universal gravitation
Algebra
Physics

Formulas

Newton's law of universal gravitation: F = G * (m * M) / r^2

Theorems

Newton's law of universal gravitation

Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School