Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 5 - Circular Motion; Gravitation - Questions - Page 131: 21

Answer

The centripetal acceleration of Mars in its orbit is smaller than that of the Earth.

Work Step by Step

For all planets, the centripetal force that keeps them moving in a circle is provided by gravitational attraction toward the sun. The centripetal acceleration is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the planet and the sun. The mass of the planet does not enter into the calculation for centripetal acceleration. Mars is farther from the sun than Earth is, therefore it has a smaller centripetal acceleration.
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