Universal Gravitation Review

Front

What is the formula for gravitational force between two masses?

Back

F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses, and r is the distance between their centers.

Front

What does the gravitational constant (G) represent?

Back

The gravitational constant (G) is a proportionality factor used in the calculation of gravitational force, approximately equal to 6.674 × 10^-11 N(m/kg)^2.

Front

How does the distance between two masses affect the gravitational force?

Back

The gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance between the centers of the two masses; if the distance doubles, the force becomes one-fourth as strong.

Front

What happens to gravitational force if one mass is doubled?

Back

If one mass is doubled, the gravitational force between the two masses also doubles, assuming the distance remains constant.

Front

What is the effect on gravitational force if both masses are doubled?

Back

If both masses are doubled, the gravitational force increases by a factor of four, since F is proportional to the product of the masses.

Front

Define gravitational attraction.

Back

Gravitational attraction is the force that pulls two masses toward each other, proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

Front

What is the significance of measuring from the center of mass?

Back

Measuring from the center of mass ensures accurate calculation of gravitational force, as it accounts for the distribution of mass in the objects.

Front

If the distance between two masses is halved, how does the gravitational force change?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between mass and gravitational force?

Back

Gravitational force is directly proportional to the masses involved; as either mass increases, the gravitational force increases.

Front

Explain the concept of gravitational equilibrium.

Back

Gravitational equilibrium occurs when the gravitational forces acting on an object are balanced, resulting in no net force and no acceleration.