Astronomers discover Exoplanet X orbiting a distant star
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
Astronomers discover Exoplanet X orbiting a distant star. From spacecraft observations they measure the planet’s radius to be 4.2×106m. A landing probe on the surface determines the gravitational field magnitude to be 15.2N/kg. Mission scientists want to compare surface conditions on Exoplanet X with those on Earth.
(a) Calculate the mass of Exoplanet X.
(b) Determine the weight of an 80kg astronaut standing on the planet’s surface.
(c) Compute the ratio of the astronaut’s weight on Exoplanet X to her weight on Earth, and interpret what this ratio implies about human mobility on the new world.