1. What is the Gravitational Force Formula?

Definition: This formula calculates the attractive force between two masses based on Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation.

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

2. How Does the Formula Work?

The formula 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 mass (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: Understanding gravitational forces is essential for orbital mechanics, astrophysics, and many engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the gravitational constant so small?
A: The value reflects the relatively weak nature of gravity compared to other fundamental forces.

Q2: Does this work for any distance?
A: The formula works for all distances, but for very small scales (quantum level), general relativity effects become significant.

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: Use kilograms for mass and meters for distance to get force in Newtons.

Q5: Can I calculate the force between me and Earth?
A: Yes, use Earth's mass (5.972 × 10²⁴ kg) and Earth's radius (6.371 × 10⁶ m) for surface calculations.