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 - Exercises and Problems - Page 353: 13

Answer

If the radius shrinks to 0.577 of the original radius, the free-fall acceleration would be three times its present value.

Work Step by Step

Let $R'$ be the radius of the earth after it shrinks. Note that the mass $M$ of the earth does not change. We can find the value of $R'$ in terms of $R$, where $R$ is the original radius of the earth. $\frac{G~M}{(R')^2} = 3\times \frac{G~M}{R^2}$ $(R')^2 = \frac{1}{3}~R^2$ $R' = \sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}~R$ $R' = 0.577~R$ If the radius shrinks to 0.577 of the original radius, the free-fall acceleration would be three times its present value.
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