There is a point between the Moon and the Earth where the gravitational attractions are equal and opposite. How much further is this point from the Earth than the Moon

Using the formula for gravitational attraction between the Moon/Earth and a test mass, m. We determine FE = (G*ME m)/(rE2 ), FM = (GMM*m )/ (rM2). Setting these two forces equal to each other and rearranging gives us the formula: rM2 = (MM/ME ) * rE2. Taking the square root of both sides, and noting the distances, r, should always be positive we get distance from the Earth is sqrt(MM/ME). 

PD
Answered by Paul D. Physics tutor

7103 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how a standing wave is formed


Show that gravitational force within a nuclei is negilible compared with the electric repulsion.


What is the minimum height of a hill, so a ball of mass m falling from it can go through a loop of radius R?


Explain why excited atoms only emit certain frequencies of radiation after an electron collides with the atom


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning