Approximate Mars's orbit as circular with a radius equal to semimajor axis of the real orbit. Part A What is the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted by the Sun on Mars? Express your answer to two significant digits and include the appropriate units. Part B What is the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted by Mars on the Sun? Express your answer to two significant digits and include the appropriate unit
The magnitude of the Gravitational force on Earth due to Mars and vice versa is the same. Since force is a vector quantity, the direction is different in the two cases. The force vector on Mars due to sun points towards instantaneous position of the planet. Since, there is a circular symmetry, it is considered to be the same at any given point. While that due to Mars on sun points towards sun
Gravitational force is given by:
where r is the distance between the two.
Hence,
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