![g[r_, R_, G_, M_] := {{(G M r)/R^3, r<R}, {(G M)/R^2, r≥ R}}](../HTMLFiles/index_67.gif){kind=small}
yielding general rules for gravitational acceleration [plot],
In[7]:=
In[8]:=
![g[r_, R_, G_, M_] := If[r<R, (G M r)/R^3, (G M)/r^2]](../HTMLFiles/index_68.gif){kind=small}
![[Graphics:../HTMLFiles/index_70.gif]](../HTMLFiles/index_70.gif)
Note from the figure above that 9.8 m/s^2 is only available at the earth's surface (at a radius of 6378140 meters), and that inside or outside of that surface radius the acceleration due to gravity decreases.
| Created by Mathematica (February 13, 2007) |  |