Gravity & Balancing Torques Flashcard

Front

What is the formula for calculating gravitational force between two objects?

Back

F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant (6.673 x 10^-11 N m²/kg²), m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, and r is the distance between their centers.

Front

What is the value of the gravitational constant (G)?

Back

G = 6.673 x 10^-11 N m²/kg².

Front

How does distance affect gravitational force between two objects?

Back

The gravitational force decreases as the distance between the two objects increases, following an inverse square relationship.

Front

What is rotational equilibrium in the context of a meter stick?

Back

Rotational equilibrium occurs when the sum of the torques acting on an object is zero, meaning the object does not rotate.

Front

How do you calculate torque?

Back

Torque (τ) is calculated using the formula τ = r * F, where r is the distance from the pivot point to the point of force application, and F is the force applied.

Front

What is the principle of moments?

Back

The principle of moments states that for an object to be in rotational equilibrium, the clockwise moments about a pivot must equal the counterclockwise moments.

Front

If a 100 cm meter stick is balanced at the 50 cm mark, where is the fulcrum located?

Back

The fulcrum is located at the 50 cm mark of the meter stick.

Front

What is the mass of an object that would balance a 34 g mass placed at the 46 cm mark of a meter stick balanced at the 50 cm mark?

Back

The mass required to balance the 34 g mass at the 46 cm mark is 2.77 g, placed at the 99 cm mark.

Front

What is the significance of the center of mass in gravitational calculations?

Back

The center of mass is the point where the mass of an object is concentrated, and it is the point used in gravitational calculations to determine the distance between objects.

Front

What happens to gravitational force if the mass of one of the objects is doubled?

Back

If the mass of one of the objects is doubled, the gravitational force between the two objects also doubles.