Force of Gravity Formula:
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Definition: This calculator computes the gravitational force between two objects using Newton's law of universal gravitation.
Purpose: It helps students, physicists, and engineers calculate the attractive force between two masses.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The force is directly proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Details: Understanding gravitational forces is crucial for astrophysics, orbital mechanics, and fundamental physics research.
Tips: Enter the gravitational constant (default 6.67×10⁻¹¹), both masses in kg, and distance in meters. All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is the gravitational constant (G)?
A: It's a fundamental physical constant (6.67430×10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg²) that appears in Newton's law of gravitation.
Q2: Why is the force so small for everyday objects?
A: Because G is extremely small, so noticeable gravitational force only occurs with planetary-scale masses.
Q3: Does this work for any distance?
A: The formula works for point masses or spherical objects where r is the distance between centers.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: For most purposes it's accurate, but for extreme gravity or high precision, general relativity must be considered.
Q5: What units should I use?
A: Use kilograms for mass, meters for distance, and the result will be in Newtons (N).