1. What is the Gravitational Force Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the magnitude of gravitational force between two objects using Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation.

Purpose: It helps students, physicists, and engineers understand and quantify the gravitational attraction between two masses.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Gravitational force (Newtons)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ N(m/kg)²)
• \( m_1 \) — Mass of first object (kg)
• \( m_2 \) — Mass of second object (kg)
• \( r \) — Distance between centers of mass (meters)

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 fundamental in astrophysics, orbital mechanics, and any scenario where mass interactions are considered.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ N(m/kg)²).

Q2: Why is the force so small for everyday objects?
A: Because G is extremely small, noticeable gravitational force only occurs with planetary-scale masses.

Q3: Does this calculator work for celestial bodies?
A: Yes, it works for any two masses, from subatomic particles to galaxies.

Q4: What's the direction of this force?
A: This calculator gives magnitude only. The force is always attractive and acts along the line connecting the two masses.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's accurate for classical physics. For extreme conditions (black holes, relativistic speeds), Einstein's General Relativity is needed.