Physics 320
Astrophysics I:  Lecture #5 HW Problem
Prof. Dale E. Gary
NJIT

Sun and Venus

Prob. 1: (a) From the information in the lecture and example 2.2.2 of the text, calculate the acceleration of gravity due to the Sun, at the Sun's surface. (b) Comparing to the acceleration of gravity on Earth (due to Earth's gravity), by what factor would you be heavier at the Sun's surface than you are on Earth?

Prob. 2: (a) Calculate the acceleration of gravity due to the Sun at the distance of Venus' orbit. (b) Calculate the centripetal acceleration needed to keep Venus in its (nearly circular) orbit, and show that it agrees with your answer in a.