1. What is the Gravitational Force Equation?

Definition: Newton's law of universal gravitation calculates the attractive force between two masses.

Purpose: It helps physicists, astronomers, and engineers understand and predict gravitational interactions between objects.

2. How Does the Equation Work?

The equation is:

Where:

• \( F \) — Gravitational force (Newtons, N)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg²)
• \( m_1 \) — Mass of first object (kilograms, kg)
• \( m_2 \) — Mass of second object (kilograms, kg)
• \( r \) — Distance between centers of masses (meters, m)

Explanation: The force is directly proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

3. Importance of Gravitational Force Calculation

Details: This fundamental force governs planetary motion, satellite orbits, and many astrophysical phenomena.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the masses of both objects in kilograms and the distance between them in meters. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the gravitational constant so small?
A: The small value reflects the relative weakness of gravity compared to other fundamental forces at small scales.

Q2: Does this work for any distance?
A: The equation works for all distances, but for very small scales (quantum levels), general relativity becomes important.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Extremely accurate for most applications, though general relativity provides more precise results in strong gravitational fields.

Q4: What units should I use?
A: Always use kilograms for mass and meters for distance to get force in Newtons.

Q5: Why is the force so small for everyday objects?
A: Because of the tiny gravitational constant, noticeable gravity only occurs with planetary-scale masses.