Question

A space probe lands on a planet with 1/2 the gravitational force as the earth. What happens

Answer 1

Planet with 1/2 the gravitational force as the earth. the effect of  the mass and weight of the space probe is described below.

Explanation:

• At an altitude of 2642 km (approx. 1641 miles) above the Earth's surface, the gravitational acceleration will be 4.89m/s^2, which is half of 9.78 m/s^2 (the gravity at the surface).
• When the distance between the 2 objects is halved, the gravitational force between the 2 objects is doubled. when the distance between the 2 objects is doubled then the gravitational force doubles.
• Yes, a space probe that weighs 1000 pounds (excluding fuel) sitting in its launch vehicle on the launch pad will weigh much more from launch until the rocket's engines shut off. At that point it will become weightless. It becomes weightless because it's in free fall, even though it is still heading away from the Earth.
• In space without gravity pulling down on them, Astronauts are essentially weightless. It is important to explore the difference between mass and weight. ... However, if we went from Earth to Mars, our weight would change because Mars has less gravity than Earth. Gravity is a force pulling matter together.