Question

Newton's Law of Gravitation can be used to show that if an object weighs w pounds on the surface of the earth, then its weight at a distance x from the center of the earth is W(x)=wR2x2 (for x≥R), where R=3960 miles is the radius of the earth. Estimate the altitude at which a 120- lb pilot would weigh 119.5 lb

Answer 1

Answer:In other words, with w = 130, W = 129.5, what is x?

You find this by plugging in the values for w, W and R and solving for x.

Note: x is the distance from the center. You were asked for the distance from the surface (the altitude) so there's one more calculation to do when you find x.

Explanation: