an object is lifted from the surface of a spherical planet to an altitude equal to the radius of the planet…

an object is lifted from the surface of a spherical planet to an altitude equal to the radius of the planet. as a result, which of the following changes in the properties of the object take place? mass increases; weight decreases mass decreases; weight decreases mass increases; weight increases mass increases; weight remains the same mass remains the same; weight decreases mass remains the same; weight increases mass remains the same; weight remains the same

an object is lifted from the surface of a spherical planet to an altitude equal to the radius of the planet. as a result, which of the following changes in the properties of the object take place? mass increases; weight decreases mass decreases; weight decreases mass increases; weight increases mass increases; weight remains the same mass remains the same; weight decreases mass remains the same; weight increases mass remains the same; weight remains the same

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Define mass and weight concepts

Mass is the amount of matter in an object and is an inherent property that does not change with location. Weight (W = mg), where (g) is the acceleration due to gravity.

Step2: Recall gravitational - field formula

The acceleration due to gravity (g) at the surface of a planet of mass (M) and radius (R) is (g=\frac{GM}{R^{2}}), and at an altitude (h = R) (distance from the center of the planet (r=R + h=2R)), the acceleration due to gravity (g') is (g'=\frac{GM}{(2R)^{2}}=\frac{GM}{4R^{2}}=\frac{g}{4}). Since (W = mg) and (g) decreases when the object is lifted to an altitude equal to the radius of the planet, the weight decreases while the mass (m) remains constant.

Answer:

mass remains the same; weight decreases