If you step off a ledge, you accelerate noticeably toward the earth because of the gravitational interaction between you and the earth. Does the earth accelerate toward you as well? Explain.
2007-10-10 00:08:38 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes, but the order of magnitude is so small that it's negligible.
The equal and opposite gravitational force applies to the earth as well as the jumper according to the formula:
F = Gm1m2/r^2
If your mass is 100kg then:
f = ma
w = mg
w = 100(9.8) = 980N
The mass of the earth is 5.9736*10^24kg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_mass
a = f/m
a = 980/5.9736*10^24 = 1.64*10^22m/s^2
2007-10-10 01:02:51 · answer #1 · answered by jsardi56 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoretically, "YES". But comparing the sizes of both the acceleration of man is negligibly small.
2007-10-10 01:43:00 · answer #2 · answered by Joymash 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋