physics - For this question, consider that josh is weighing himself while standing on a scale on the surface of Mars.

For this question, consider that josh is weighing himself while standing on a scale on the surface of Mars.

7 viewed last edited 3 years ago

physics

Shubhanan Kulkarni (Student, 12^th Grade)

0

If the mass of Mars suddenly increases, Josh's weight will : a) increase b) stay the same c) decrease d) cannot be determined from the information given

I want to understand why as I just started this unit I don't understand be concept of gravitation and circular motion all that much.

Mahesh Godavarti (last edited 3 years ago) (Expert, Founder @Qalaxia)

1

Hi Shubhanan, the gravitational force between Josh and Mars is given by \frac{G m M}{r^2} where m is Josh's mass and M is Mars'.

Essentially, the weight is the force acting on Josh which is the gravitational force. If the mass of Mars increased suddenly then the gravitational force given by \frac{G m M}{r^2} would increase as well. Therefore, the scale will suddenly read higher even though Josh's mass didn't increase at all.