Question

The weight of an astronaut plus his space suit on the Moon is only 127 N. What is the weight of the astronaut in SI units on Earth? The acceleration due to gravity on the Moon is 1.67 m/s².

Answer 1

SOLUTION:

Given in the question,

The Weight of an astronaut plus his space suit on the moon is 127 N. Let say W_moon = 127 N.

The acceleration due to gravity on the MOON is 1.67 m/s². g_moon = 1.67 m/s².

The weight of an astronaut on the earth = ? Let say W_earth.

From Newton's Second law we know:

W = mg

so,

W_moon= mass * g_moon

  127 N = mass * 1.67 m/s²

  mass = 76.047 Kg ( as mass is independent of gravity , so same on moon and earth )

now,

W_earth = mass * g_earth ( g_earth = 10 m/s² , as for the value given g_moon = g_earth/6)

W_earth = 76.047 Kg * 10 m/s²

W_earth = 760.47 N

Hence, the weight of an astronaut on the earth will be 760.47 N. ( S.I. UNITS )