According to universal gravitation F=G((m1m2)/(d^2)). If this is true then why is Jupiter smack dab in the middle of the solar system? Wouldn't the gravitational force between the sun and Jupiter be the strongest based upon their mass, and wouldn't the distance need to be greater than that of Neptune or Pluto to keep massive Jupiter in check? I'm in the middle of a physics class and was just curious if anyone knew.
2007-02-05 04:59:59 · 3 answers · asked by Peanut 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It compensates for it's large mass by more velocity in it's orbit. If it were farther out, it would be slower, closer in, it goes faster to compensate. At least if it remains stable.
2007-02-05 05:05:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jupiter is in orbit around the sun and that was established when it formed about 4.5 billion years ago. It's where it is because its velocity around the sun is at the proper distance for that orbit. The planets orbit where they formed. There is no arrangement of planets based on their masses. Remember also that the force between the two bodies falls off as 1 over the distance between them squared, which means it falls off rather quickly.
2007-02-05 13:06:31 · answer #2 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A planet,with any mass,may be everywhere where the gravity it is compensated by the centrifugal force.
2007-02-05 13:16:18 · answer #3 · answered by Leonard B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋