Question

A 5⁢kg object is released from rest near the surface of a planet such that its gravitational field is considered to be constant. The mass of the planet is unknown. After 2⁢s, the object has fallen 30m. Air resistance is considered to be negligible. What is the gravitational force exerted on the 5kg5⁢kg object near the planet’s surface?
(A) 5 N
(B) 15 N
(C) 37.5 N
(D) 75 N

Answer 1

Answer:

The gravitational force exerted on the object is 75 N (answer D)

Explanation:

Hi there!

The gravitational force is calculated as follows:

F = m · g

Where:

F = force of gravity.

m = mass of the object.

g = acceleration due to gravity (unknown).

For a falling object moving in a straight line, its height at a given time can be calculated using the following equation:

y = y0 + v0 · t + 1/2 · a · t²

Where:

y = position at time t.

y0 = initial position.

v0 = initial velocity.

t = time.

g = acceleration due to gravity.

Let´s place the origin of the frame of reference at the point where the object is released so that y0 = 0. Let´s also consider the downward direction as negative.

Then, after 2 seconds, the height of the object will be -30 m:

y = y0 + v0 · t + 1/2 · g · t²

-30 m = 0 m + 0 m/s · 2 s + 1/2 · g · (2 s)²

-30 m = 1/2 · g · 4 s²

-30 m = 2 s ² · g

-30 m/2 s² = g

g = -15 m/s²

Then, the magnitude of the gravitational force will be:

F = m · g

F = 5 kg · 15 m/s²

F = 75 N

The gravitational force exerted on the object is 75 N (answer D)

Have a nice day!