Calculate the weight of an astronaut whose mass (including spacesuit)is 72kg on the surface of the moon?
What is the astronauts weight on Earth?
Comment on the difference
About the same
To calculate the weight of an astronaut on the surface of the moon, we can use the formula:
Weight = Mass × Acceleration due to gravity
The mass of the astronaut is given as 72 kg.
The acceleration due to gravity on the moon is approximately 1/6th of that on Earth, which is equal to 1.62 m/s^2.
So, the weight of the astronaut on the surface of the moon is:
Weight = 72 kg × 1.62 m/s^2 = 116.64 N (approximately)
Now, let's find out the weight of the astronaut on Earth.
On Earth, the acceleration due to gravity (g) is approximately 9.8 m/s^2.
Weight = Mass × Acceleration due to gravity
Weight = 72 kg × 9.8 m/s^2 = 705.6 N
The weight of the astronaut on Earth is 705.6 N.
Now, let's comment on the difference between the weight on the moon and the weight on Earth.
The weight of the astronaut on the moon is significantly lower compared to their weight on Earth. This is due to the weaker gravitational pull of the moon. Since the acceleration due to gravity on the moon is only about 1/6th of that on Earth, the astronaut appears to be much lighter on the moon's surface. This is why astronauts can jump higher and move more easily on the moon compared to on Earth.