Gravitation

Front

What is the Universal Gravitational Constant, G?

Back

The Universal Gravitational Constant, G, is a fundamental constant used in the calculation of gravitational forces between two masses. Its value is approximately 6.674 × 10^-11 N(m/kg)^2.

Front

What does Newton's Law of Gravitation state?

Back

Newton's Law of Gravitation states that every point mass attracts every other point mass with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. The formula is F = Gm1m2/r^2.

Front

How does the distance between two objects 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 formula to calculate gravitational force?

Back

The formula to calculate gravitational force is F = Gm1m2/r^2, where F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, and r is the distance between their centers.

Front

If the mass of one object doubles, how does the gravitational force change?

Back

If the mass of one object doubles, the gravitational force also doubles, since gravitational force is directly proportional to the mass of the objects.

Front

What is the relationship between gravitational force and mass?

Back

Gravitational force is directly proportional to the masses of the objects involved. This means that as the mass of either object increases, the gravitational force between them increases.

Front

What is the gravitational force between two 5.00 kg masses that are 0.750 m apart?

Back

The gravitational force is approximately 2.96 × 10^-9 N.

Front

What happens to gravitational force if the distance between two objects is halved?

Back

If the distance between two objects is halved, the gravitational force increases by a factor of four, since it is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

Front

What is the significance of Cavendish's experiment?

Back

Cavendish's experiment measured the Universal Gravitational Constant, G, and allowed for the calculation of the mass of the Earth.

Front

What is the effect of increasing the distance on gravitational attraction?

Back

Increasing the distance between two masses decreases the gravitational attraction between them.