Answer to Question #158926 in Physics for Sangkerthana

Question

A meteor is moving at a speed of 100ms^-1 towards mars is detected at a height of 20.7 m from its surface . The meteor reaches the surface after 2 seconds . What is the gravitational acceleration of mars?

Answer 1

If the velocity vector is directed to the surface of Mars (to its center), then the condition is incorrect.

Assume that the velocity vector be directed at an angle of $86°$ to the vertical. We get

$s=v_0\cdot \cos86°\cdot t+\frac{g_Mt^2}{2}\to$

$20.7=100\cdot2 \cdot\cos86°+g_M\cdot2^2/2\to g_M\approx3.4(m/s^2)$ . Answer