Physics

Physics

Problem

The gravitational field intensity due to a certain asteroid is measured to be 1.0 N kg−11.0\,\text{N\,kg}^{-1} at a point on its axis. If the mass of the asteroid is 8.0×1022 kg8.0 \times 10^{22}\,\text{kg}, determine the distance of this point from the asteroid’s centre. Take G=6.67×10−11 N m2kg−2G = 6.67 \times 10^{-11}\,\text{N\,m}^2\text{kg}^{-2}.
Intuitive explanation

Gravitational field intensity is just the gravitational force per unit mass—it tells you how strongly gravity pulls at a location. The key is recognizing that for any spherical mass (or point mass), the field intensity follows an inverse-square law: g=GMr2g = \frac{GM}{r^2}. You're given gg, MM, and GG, so you simply rearrange to solve for the distance rr.

Intuitive explanation

Gravitational field intensity is just the gravitational force per unit mass—it tells you how strongly gravity pulls at a location. The key is recognizing that for any spherical mass (or point mass), the field intensity follows an inverse-square law: g=GMr2g = \frac{GM}{r^2}. You're given gg, MM, and GG, so you simply rearrange to solve for the distance rr.

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