Gravitational Forces

Front

What is gravitational force?

Back

Gravitational force is the attraction between two objects with mass. It pulls objects toward each other.

Front

What two factors affect gravitational force?

Back

Mass and Distance. The greater the mass of the objects, the stronger the gravitational force. The greater the distance between them, the weaker the gravitational force.

Front

How does gravity affect weight?

Back

Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object. It varies depending on the gravitational pull of the planet or moon.

Front

What happens to your weight on the moon compared to Earth?

Back

You will weigh less on the moon because the moon's gravity is weaker (1/6th of Earth's gravity).

Front

True or False: Gravity pulls objects toward the center of the Earth.

Back

True.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and weight?

Back

Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the force of gravity acting on that mass.

Front

What is the formula for calculating weight?

Back

Weight = Mass x Gravitational Acceleration (W = m x g).

Front

What is the effect of distance on gravitational force?

Back

As the distance between two objects increases, the gravitational force between them decreases.

Front

What is the significance of making a satellite lightweight?

Back

A lightweight satellite requires less energy to maintain its orbit against the pull of gravity.

Front

What is the role of gravity in satellite orbits?

Back

Gravity keeps satellites in orbit by pulling them toward the planet while their forward motion keeps them from falling straight down.