College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 7 - Circular Motion and Gravitation - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 260: 20

Answer

Yes. It is possible.

Work Step by Step

$F=G\frac{mM_{e}}{R^{2}}$ m = mass of an object on earth's surface. R=radius of earth at that point. Again, $F=mg$ Thus, $mg=G\frac{mM_{e}}{R^{2}}$ or, $g=G\frac{M_{e}}{R^{2}}$ So, mass of the earth $=M_{e}=\frac{gR^{2}}{G}$ Since all the quantities on the right side are known, we can find mass of the earth.
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