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Explain how the mass and average density of the earth can be estimated from the knowledge of G?

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By using gravitational force equations, Earth’s mass and density can be estimated from gravitational constant and Earth’s radius.

Class 11 Physics
Gravitation
CBSE Exam 2024-25

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1 Answer

  1. Mass of the Earth:

    The mass of the Earth can be calculated using the relationship between gravitational acceleration g, the gravitational constant G , and the Earth’s radius R . By substituting the known values of g, G, and R, the Earth’s mass is determined to be approximately 6 \times 10²⁴ kg.

    This calculation was made possible when the value of G was first experimentally determined by Cavendish, earning him the distinction of being the first person to weigh the Earth.

    Average Density of the Earth:

    The average density of the Earth can also be estimated using its mass and volume. Although the density of the Earth’s upper layers is around 2700 kg/m³, the inner layers have much higher densities, leading to an overall average density of about 5500 kg/m³.

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