The work done by the gravitational field of the earth on the rock is 9.998 x 10⁸ J.
The given parameter include:
the mass of the object, m₁ = 16 kg
Note: the mass of the earth, m₂ = 5.972 x 10²⁴ kg
Work done = gravitational force (F) x radius of the earth (R)
[tex]Work \ done = \frac{Gm_1m_2}{R^2} \times R\\\\Work \ done = \frac{Gm_1m_2}{R} \\\\where;\\\\R \ is \ the \ radius \ of \ the \ earth = 6,378 \ km = 6,378,000 \ m\\\\G \ is \ the \ universal \ gravitation \ constant = 6.674 \times 10^{-11} Nm^2/kg^2\ \\\\Work \ done = \frac{(6.674 \times 10^{-11} ) \times (5.972\times 10^{24}) \times (16)}{6,378,000 } \\\\Work \ done = 9.998 \times 10^{8} \ J[/tex]
Therefore, the work done by the gravitational field of the earth on the rock is 9.998 x 10⁸ J.
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