1. What is the Gravitational Force Formula?

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

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

2. How Does the Formula Work?

The formula is:

Where:

• \( F \) — Gravitational force (Newtons)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg²)
• \( m_1 \) — Mass of first object (kg)
• \( m_2 \) — Mass of second object (kg)
• \( r \) — Distance between centers of masses (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

Details: This fundamental force governs planetary motion, tides, and the structure of the universe. Understanding it is crucial for space exploration and satellite technology.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the gravitational constant so small?
A: The small value reflects the relative weakness of gravity compared to other fundamental forces at small scales.

Q2: Does this formula work for any distance?
A: It works for most practical purposes, but for extreme gravity or very small distances, Einstein's General Relativity is needed.

Q3: How accurate is the gravitational constant?
A: The CODATA 2018 value is 6.67430(15)×10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg² with a relative standard uncertainty of 2.2×10⁻⁵.

Q4: Why is distance squared in the formula?
A: This inverse-square law reflects how gravity spreads out in three-dimensional space.

Q5: Can I calculate Earth's gravity with this?
A: Yes, use Earth's mass (5.972 × 10²⁴ kg) and your distance from Earth's center (~6.371 × 10⁶ m at surface).