Magnitude of Gravitational Force Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key aspects of gravitational force magnitude:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Formula | F = G(m1*m2)/r²12 |
| Gravitational Constant (G) | 6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²14 |
| Variables | m1: mass of first object; m2: mass of second object; r: distance between centers of mass1 |
| Nature of Force | Gravitational force is always attractive, acting between masses1 |
| Vector Form | F₂₁ = -G(m₁m₂ / |
| Units | Force (F) is measured in Newtons (N)4 |
| Inverse Square Law | Force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between objects14 |
| Similarity | Resembles Coulomb’s law for electrical forces, but with mass instead of charge4 |
| Applications | Used in orbital mechanics, calculation of weights, astrophysics, etc. |
| Historical Significance | First formulated by Sir Isaac Newton in his work “Principia”4 |
| Limitations | Newtonian gravity is less accurate for extremely massive objects or high-speed scenarios5 |
Key Points to Remember
- Universal Attraction: Gravity acts between all objects with mass, regardless of their composition1.
- Strength: The gravitational force is typically very weak unless one or both objects have extremely large masses2.
- Distance Dependency: The force decreases rapidly as the distance between objects increases14.
- Symmetry: The force is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction for both objects involved1.
- Superposition: When multiple objects are involved, the total gravitational force on an object is the vector sum of individual forces4.
- Relation to Weight: An object’s weight on Earth is the gravitational force exerted by Earth on that object1.
- General Relativity: For extremely massive objects or high-precision calculations, Einstein’s theory of general relativity provides a more accurate description of gravity5.
This table and the accompanying key points provide a comprehensive overview of the magnitude of gravitational force, covering its formula, key variables, properties, and applications in physics and astronomy.