When interplanetary space travel becomes viable, doctors may
suggest to people with arthritis that they vacation on a planet with
lower gravitational attraction and do more walking.
The gravitational acceleration on Earth is 9.8 m/s , while the
gravitational acceleration on Mars is 3.7 m/s . How much less force
would the vacationer be applying to their joints when walking on
Mars?
(1 point)
2
2
2.6 times less force
6.1 times less force
36.26 times less force
13.5 times less force
To find the difference in gravitational force, we can use the formula:
F = m * g
Where:
F = force
m = mass of the object
g = gravitational acceleration
Let's assume the mass of the person remains constant. So, we can compare the ratio of forces on Earth and Mars:
F_Mars / F_Earth = m * g_Mars / m * g_Earth
F_Mars / F_Earth = (3.7 m/s^2) / (9.8 m/s^2)
F_Mars / F_Earth = 0.377
This means that the person would be applying approximately 37.7% less force to their joints when walking on Mars compared to Earth.
Therefore, the vacationer would be applying 2.6 times less force on their joints when walking on Mars.