Force of Gravity Formula:
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Definition: This calculator computes the gravitational force acting on an object based on its mass and the gravitational acceleration.
Purpose: It helps students, engineers, and physicists quickly determine the weight force of objects in Earth's gravity or other gravitational fields.
The calculator uses Newton's second law of motion:
Where:
Explanation: The mass of an object is multiplied by the gravitational acceleration to determine the force exerted by gravity.
Details: Understanding gravitational force is essential for engineering projects, physics experiments, and everyday applications like determining object weights.
Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and gravitational acceleration (default 9.81 m/s² for Earth). All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is the standard value of g on Earth?
A: The standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.81 m/s², though it varies slightly by location.
Q2: How would I calculate weight on other planets?
A: Use the same formula but substitute the appropriate g value (e.g., 1.62 m/s² for the Moon, 3.71 m/s² for Mars).
Q3: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is a measure of matter (kg), while weight is the force (N) exerted on that mass by gravity.
Q4: Why is g sometimes rounded to 10 m/s²?
A: For simplification in some educational contexts, though 9.81 is more accurate for Earth's gravity.
Q5: How do I convert Newtons to pounds-force?
A: Multiply Newtons by 0.224809 to get pounds-force (lbf).