The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 1.5 x 1011 m, whereas the average distance between the Earth and Mars is about 2.3 x 1011 m. Assume the usual convention that the gravitational potential energy referenced to the Earth is zero when infinitely far away, (a) What is the gravitational potential energy of the Earth-Sun system? (b) What is the gravitational potential energy of the Earth-Mars system? (c) Describe how these values indicate that the Sun has a greater effect on the Earth's motion than Mars does. What is the most dominant factor that causes the Sun to have the greater effect?

The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 1.5 x 1011 m, whereas the average distance between the Earth and Mars is about 2.3 x 1011 m. Assume the usual convention that the gravitational potential energy referenced to the Earth is zero when infinitely far away, (a) What is the gravitational potential energy of the Earth-Sun system? (b) What is the gravitational potential energy of the Earth-Mars system? (c) Describe how these values indicate that the Sun has a greater effect on the Earth's motion than Mars does. What is the most dominant factor that causes the Sun to have the greater effect?

College Physics

11th Edition

ISBN:9781305952300

Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille

Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille

Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...

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