Gravitational Forces

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is a natural phenomenon by which all things with mass are brought toward one another, including planets, stars, galaxies, and even light.

Front

What is the formula for gravitational force?

Back

The gravitational force (F_g) between two masses (m1 and m2) separated by a distance (r) is given by F_g = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where G is the gravitational constant (6.674 × 10^-11 N(m/kg)^2).

Front

What is the gravitational constant (G)?

Back

The gravitational constant (G) is a fundamental physical constant used to describe the strength of the gravitational force between two objects. Its value is approximately 6.674 × 10^-11 N(m/kg)^2.

Front

How does mass affect gravitational force?

Back

The gravitational force between two objects increases with the mass of either object. If the mass of one or both objects increases, the gravitational force between them also increases.

Front

How does distance affect gravitational force?

Back

The gravitational force between two objects decreases as the distance between them increases. Specifically, it is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

Front

What is the center of mass?

Back

The center of mass is the point in an object or system where the mass is evenly distributed in all directions. For two objects, it is the point that is used to calculate gravitational force.

Front

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

Back

In gravitational calculations, the distance (r) is measured from the center of mass of one object to the center of mass of the other object.

Front

What is the gravitational force between a 140 kg tree and a 798 kg car that are 15 m apart?

Back

F_g = 3.3*10^-8 N.

Front

What is the gravitational force between the Sun and Mars if they are 2.3*10^11 m apart?

Back

F_g = 1.6*10^21 N.

Front

What is the gravitational force between a 15-kg chinchilla and a 65-kg dog separated by 0.30 m?

Back

F_g = 7.2*10^-7 N.