Gravitational Force Calculator
Calculate the gravitational force between two objects using Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Where:
- F = Gravitational force (in Newtons, N)
- G = Gravitational constant (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³ kg⁻¹ s⁻²)
- m₁ = First mass (in kilograms, kg)
- m₂ = Second mass (in kilograms, kg)
- r = Distance between the centers of the masses (in meters, m)
The gravitational constant (G) is a fundamental physical constant that plays a crucial role in the calculation of gravitational forces. It was first measured by Henry Cavendish in 1798.
- G = 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³ kg⁻¹ s⁻²
- This value is constant throughout the universe
- It represents the fundamental strength of the gravitational interaction
Gravitational force calculations are essential in:
- Astronomy: Calculating orbital paths of planets and satellites
- Space Exploration: Planning spacecraft trajectories
- Celestial Mechanics: Understanding the motion of celestial bodies
- Tidal Forces: Studying ocean tides and their effects
- Satellite Technology: Maintaining satellite orbits and positions
Why does the gravitational force seem so weak in everyday life?
The gravitational constant G is extremely small (about 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹), which means that unless one or both of the masses are very large (like planets), the gravitational force between everyday objects is negligible.
How does distance affect gravitational force?
Gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance between objects. This means that doubling the distance reduces the force to one-fourth of its original value.
Is gravitational force always attractive?
Yes, gravitational force is always attractive. Unlike electromagnetic forces which can be either attractive or repulsive, gravity only pulls objects together.