lesson 16

lesson #16
EQ:How does the concept of gravitational force explain the interactions of objects in the universe?

Sir Isaac Newton

Genius is patience.

• What is gravity?

• What factors can affect the gravitational force?

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Bell Work

SC.11.P.13.2 Explore the Law of Gravity by recognizing that every object exerts gravitational force on every other object and that the force depends on how much mass the objects have and how far apart they are. 

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Benchmark

Gravity is a NON-CONTACT FORCE that exists between all objects with mass. ​

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Everything that has mass attracts everything else with mass. ​

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Right now the Earth is pulling you down and you are pulling on the Earth with the same force.

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Gravity

Two things can make the force of gravity stronger:

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1. Increasing the MASS of one or both objects. ​

   • Objects with more mass have more gravitational force.

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2. Decreased distance.​

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• Objects with that are closer together experience more gravitational force.

Multiple Choice

What two things determine the gravity of an object?

• mass & weight

• density & mass

• mass & distance

• mass & speed

Multiple Choice

When will the forces of gravity between two objects be the GREATEST?

• when the masses of both objects are small and the objects are close together

• when the masses of both objects are large and the objects are close together

• when the masses of both objects are small and the objects are far apart

• when the masses of both objects are large and the objects are far apart

Multiple Choice

Which statement about gravity is true?

• gravity causes objects to pull towards one another

• gravity only takes place between planets

• gravity causes objects to push away from each other

• the moon doesn't have any gravity

Multiple Choice

Any object with mass is surrounded by a gravitational field.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

What is the SI unit used to measure force? 

• pounds 

• grams

• ounces

• newtons

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/gravity-force-lab/latest/gravity-force-lab_en.html ​

Virtual Lab

​These two spheres feel gravitational forces towards one another. ​
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Is that force the same for both spheres, or different?

The same!​
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Predict what will happen to the gravitational force when the spheres come closer together.​

Virtual Lab

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/gravity-force-lab/latest/gravity-force-lab_en.html ​

The force increased!​
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Is the force the same for both spheres, or different?

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Virtual Lab

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/gravity-force-lab/latest/gravity-force-lab_en.html ​

Predict what will happen to the gravitational force when the spheres are separated. 

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Virtual Lab

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/gravity-force-lab/latest/gravity-force-lab_en.html ​

The force decreased!​
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Predict what will happen to the gravitational force when we increase the mass of both spheres.

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Virtual Lab

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/gravity-force-lab/latest/gravity-force-lab_en.html ​

The force increased!​
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Is the force the same for both spheres, or different?

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Virtual Lab

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/gravity-force-lab/latest/gravity-force-lab_en.html ​

Complete the handout based on what you learned in the virtual lab

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Virtual Lab - CW

Activity: Calculating Gravitational Force as Wandering Planets (INSTRUCTIONS ON ANNOUNCEMENTS)