Question

brainpop science / investigation / observe and check | page 4 of 7
3 based on the data table, match each planet with the force of gravity you would experience if you could stand on its surface. (assume each planet has the same diameter.)
planet | mass ($10^{24}$ kg)
x | 4.867
y | 5.972
z | 0.642

3.71 m/s²
8.87 m/s²
9.81 m/s²
planet x planet y planet z

Explanation:

Step1: Relate mass to gravity

Surface gravity (for same diameter, so same radius) is directly proportional to the planet's mass: $g \propto M$.

Step2: Rank masses from largest to smallest

$M_Y=5.972\times10^{24}\text{ kg} > M_X=4.867\times10^{24}\text{ kg} > M_Z=0.642\times10^{24}\text{ kg}$

Step3: Match to gravity values

Rank gravity from largest to smallest: $9.81\text{ m/s}^2 > 8.87\text{ m/s}^2 > 3.71\text{ m/s}^2$

Answer:

Planet Y → $9.81\text{ m/s}^2$
Planet X → $8.87\text{ m/s}^2$
Planet Z → $3.71\text{ m/s}^2$