Question

A 60 kilogram astronaut weighs 96 newtons on the surface of the moon. calculate the acceleration due to gravity on the moon.

Answer 1

Answer:

Acceleration due to gravity on moon, $1.6\ m/s^2$

Explanation:

Mass of the astronaut, m = 60 kg

Weight of astronaut on the surafce of moon, W = 96 N

The weight of astronaut is given by :

W = m g

$g=\dfrac{W}{m}$

$g=\dfrac{96\ N}{60\ kg}$

$g=1.6\ m/s^2$

So, the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of moon is $1.6\ m/s^2$

Also, the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of moon is (1/6)th of the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of earth.

Hence, this is the required solution.

Answer 2

Given: Mass m = 60 Kg

           Weight  W = 96 N

Required: Acceleration due to gravity, g = ?

Formula:  W = mg

                g = W/g

                g = 96 Kg.m/s²/60 Kg   (note: this is the derive unit for Newton "N")

                g = 1.6 m/s²