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Gravity on Earth versus on Moon
by Ron Kurtus (updated 29 May 2023)
The force of gravity on the Earth is greater than the gravity on the Moon, because of the greater mass of the Earth. However, the Earth has a greater radius than the Moon, so that is a factor in the ratios of the forces of gravity.
Calculation of the force of gravity of each starts with Newton's Universal Gravitation Equation. Then values of the mass and the radius of each are used to determine the acceleration and force.
Questions you may have include:
- What is the gravitation equation?
- What is the value of gravity at the Earth's surface?
- What is gravity on the Moon's surface?
- How do the values of gravity vary with mass and radius?
This lesson will answer those questions. Useful tool: Units Conversion
Gravitation equation
The acceleration due to gravity constant comes from Newton's Universal Gravitation Equation, which shows the force of attraction between any two objects—typically astronomical objects:
F = GMm/R2
where
- F is the force of attraction, as measured in newtons (N) or kg-m/s2
- G is the Universal Gravitational Constant: 6.674*10−11 m3/s2-kg
- M and m are the masses of the objects in kilograms (kg)
- R is the separation of the centers of the objects in meters (m)
(See Universal Gravitation Equation for more information.)
If a much smaller object is near the surface of the Earth, the separation R becomes close to the radius of the Earth. Likewise for the separation on the Moon.
Since force equals mass times acceleration, the gravity equation becomes:
F = mg = GMm/R2
Thus:
g = GM/R2
This is the gravity constant or acceleration due to gravity.
(See Gravity Acceleration is Constant for more information.)
Acceleration due to gravity on Earth
You can find the value of gE by substituting the following items into the equation:
gE = GME/RE2
where
- G = 6.674*10−11 m3/s2-kg
- ME = 5.974*1024 kg (mass of Earth)
- RE = 6.371*106 m (radius of Earth - distance from center to surface)
- RE2 = 40.590*1012 m2
Substituting in values:
gE = (6.674*10−11 m3/s2-kg)(5.974*1024 kg)/(6.371*106 m)2
gE = (6.674*10−11)(5.974*1024)/(40.590*1012) m/s2
∴ gE = 9.823 m/s2
This value is close to the official value of g = 9.807 m/s2 or 32.174 ft/s2, defined by the international General Conference on Weights and Measures in 1901. Factors such as the rotation of the Earth and the effect of large masses of matter, such as mountains were taken into effect in their definition.
Although, the value of g varies from place to place around the world, we use the common values of:
gE = 9.8 m/s2 or 32 ft/s2
Acceleration due to gravity on the Moon
You can find the value of gM on the Moon by substituting the following items into the equation:
gM = GMM/RM2
where
- G = 6.674*10−11 m3/s2-kg
- MM = 7.35*1022 kg (mass of the Moon)
- RM = 1.738*106 m (radius of the Moon)
- RM2 = 3.02*1012 m2
Substituting in values:
gM = (6.674*10−11 m3/s2-kg)(7.35*1022 kg)/(1.738*106 m)2
gM = (6.674*10−11)(7.35*1022)/(3.02*1012) m/s2
∴ gM = 1.62 m/s2
Thus, the acceleration due to gravity on the Moon is about 1.6 m/s2
Comparison
Compare the mass and radius of the Earth and Moon to see the gravity ratio.
Mass
Mass of Earth: ME = 5.974*1024 kg
Mass of Moon: MM = 7.35*1022 kg
ME/MM = 5.974*1024/7.35*1022 = 81.3
ME = 81.3*MM
In other words, the mass of the Earth is about 81 times that of the Moon
Radius
Radius of Earth: RE = 6.371*106 m
Radius of Moon: RM = 1738*103 m
RE/RM = 6.371*106/1738*103 = 3.66
(RE/RM)2 = 13.4
RE2 = 13.4*RM2
In other words, the square of the Earth's radius is about 13.4 times that of the Moon
Gravity
The acceleration due to gravity on the Moon is about 1/6 that of on the Earth:
gE = GME/RE2
gM = GMM/RM2
gE/gM = (GME/RE2)/(GMM/RM2)
gE/gM = (ME/MM)(RE2/RM2)
gE/gM = (81.3)(13.4) = 6
or
gM = gE/6
Summary
The acceleration due to gravity, g, is considered a constant and comes from the Universal Gravitation Equation, calculated at the Earth's surface. By substituting in values for the mass and radius of the Earth, you can find the value of g.
Think clearly and logically
Resources and references
Websites
Acceleration Due to Gravity - TutorVista.com
The Value of g - Physics Classroom
Acceleration Due to Gravity - Haverford College
The Acceleration of Gravity - Physics Classroom
Books
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Top-rated books on Simple Gravity Science
Top-rated books on Advanced Gravity Physics
Students and researchers
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Gravity on Earth versus on Moon