Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 13 - Newton's Theory of Gravity - Conceptual Questions - Page 353: 1

Answer

The earth's gravitational force on the sun is equal to the sun's gravitational force on the earth.

Work Step by Step

According to Newton's law of gravitation, the two objects exert equal forces on each other. Therefore, the sun exerts a gravitational force of $F = \frac{G~M_s~M_e}{R^2}$ on the earth. Also, the earth exerts a gravitational force of $F = \frac{G~M_s~M_e}{R^2}$ on the sun. Therefore, the earth's gravitational force on the sun is equal to the sun's gravitational force on the earth.
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