Calculate the gravitational force (in N) exerted on a 2.98 kg baby by a 102 kg father 0.250 m away at birth. Calculate the force (in N) on the baby due to Jupiter if it is at its closest distance to Earth, some 6.29 ✕✕ 10 m away.

Position of the planets

Astrology makes much of the position of the planets at the moment of one’s birth. The only known force a planet exerts on Earth is gravitational.

(a) Calculate the gravitational force (in N) exerted on a 2.98 kg baby by a 102 kg father 0.250 m away at birth (he is assisting, so he is close to the child). (Enter the magnitude.)

(b) Calculate the force (in N) on the baby due to Jupiter if it is at its closest distance to Earth, some 6.29 ✕✕ 10 m away. (Enter the magnitude.)

How does the force of Jupiter on the baby compare to the force of the father on the baby? Other objects in the room and the hospital building also exert similar gravitational forces. (Of course, there could be an unknown force acting, but scientists first need to be convinced that there is even an effect, much less that an unknown force causes it.)

Additional Materials Reading

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