Define the term force and state the unit of force - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 6 - 2016

Another example of a vector quantity is velocity or acceleration.

1. Mass of the first body
2. Mass of the second body
3. Distance between the two bodies
4. Gravitational constant (G)

Given:

• Mass of Pluto, M = 1.3 × 10²⁵ kg
• Radius of Pluto, r = 1186 km = 1.186 × 10³ m

Using the formula: $g = \frac{GM}{r^2}$

Substituting the values: $g = \frac{(6.67 \times 10^{-11}) \times (1.3 \times 10^{25})}{(1.186 \times 10^{3})^2} = 0.62 \text{ m/s}^2$

Weight can be calculated using the formula: $\text{Weight} = m imes g$

Where m = 450 kg and g = 0.62 m/s²:

Weight = 450 kg × 0.62 m/s² = 279 N.

The weight at a distance of 1000 km from the surface of Pluto would be less than it would be at the surface. This is because the gravitational force decreases with increasing distance from the center of the planet, as described by the inverse square law.

Pluto's atmosphere is very thin due to its low gravity and high distance from the sun. The low temperatures on Pluto also result in most gases being frozen, contributing to lower atmospheric pressure.

Solar panels were unsuitable because Pluto is very far from the sun; thus, they would generate insufficient energy to power the spacecraft effectively.