Which of the following is closest to the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of Pluto?

• A. $0.62m/s^2$
• B. $0.66m/s^2$
• C. $9.8m/s^2$
• D. $1.62m/s^2$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of a celestial body is given by the formula \(g = \frac{G M}{R^2}\), where \(G\) is the universal gravitational constant, \(M\) is the mass of the body, and \(R\) is its radius.
2. Find the known values for Pluto's mass (\(M_{Pluto}\)) and radius (\(R_{Pluto}\)). These values are typically available in physics or astronomy reference materials.
3. Substitute Pluto's mass and radius into the formula: \(g_{Pluto} = \frac{G M_{Pluto}}{R_{Pluto}^2}\).
4. Calculate the value of \(g_{Pluto}\) by performing the division and multiplication as indicated, keeping track of units to ensure the result is in meters per second squared (\(m/s^2\)).
5. Compare the calculated acceleration due to gravity on Pluto with the given options to determine which value is closest.