Gravitational Force 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 at a given distance.
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 astronomy, space exploration, satellite technology, and fundamental physics research.
Tips: Enter the masses of both objects in kilograms, the distance between them in meters, and the gravitational constant (default 6.674×10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg²). All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is the gravitational constant (G)?
A: It's a fundamental physical constant that determines the strength of gravity in Newton's law of universal gravitation.
Q2: Why is the distance squared in the formula?
A: Gravity follows an inverse-square law, meaning its strength diminishes with the square of the distance between objects.
Q3: Can I calculate the force between everyday objects?
A: Yes, but the force between small objects is extremely weak. For example, two 100kg masses 1m apart experience about 6.67×10⁻⁷ N of force.
Q4: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It's accurate for classical physics calculations. For extreme gravity (near black holes) or very high precision, general relativity may be needed.
Q5: Why is G so small?
A: The small value reflects gravity's weakness compared to other fundamental forces. It means enormous masses are needed to produce noticeable gravitational effects.