1. What is the Force of Gravity Equation?

Definition: This equation calculates the gravitational force between two objects based on their masses and distance.

Purpose: It helps physicists, astronomers, and students understand and calculate gravitational interactions between objects.

2. How Does the Equation Work?

The equation uses Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation:

Where:

• \( F \) — Gravitational force (Newtons, N)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.67 × 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 mass (meters, m)

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

3. Importance of Gravitational Force Calculation

Details: Understanding gravitational forces is crucial for orbital mechanics, astrophysics, and understanding fundamental physical interactions.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the gravitational constant so small?
A: The constant is small because gravity is the weakest of the fundamental forces, though it acts over infinite distance.

Q2: Does this equation work for all distances?
A: It works well for most astronomical distances, but for very strong gravitational fields, Einstein's General Relativity is needed.

Q3: Why is distance squared in the equation?
A: This inverse-square law reflects how gravitational influence spreads out over increasing surface area as distance grows.

Q4: How is this used in space missions?
A: NASA and other agencies use this to calculate spacecraft trajectories and orbital maneuvers.

Q5: Can I calculate Earth's gravity with this?
A: Yes, using Earth's mass (5.97 × 10²⁴ kg) and radius (6.371 × 10⁶ m) gives approximately 9.81 N/kg at the surface.