1. What is the Magnitude of Gravitational Force Formula?

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

Purpose: It helps physicists, astronomers, and students understand and calculate the gravitational attraction between any two objects with mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator 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 between them.

3. Importance of Gravitational Force Calculation

Details: Understanding gravitational forces is crucial for celestial mechanics, satellite orbits, and fundamental physics research.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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 (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg²).

Q2: Why is the distance squared in the formula?
A: This reflects the inverse-square law - gravity weakens with the square of the distance between objects.

Q3: Does this work for any two objects?
A: Yes, though the force is only noticeable when at least one object is very massive (like a planet or star).

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's exact for point masses or perfect spheres. For irregular objects, it gives an approximation.

Q5: What about Einstein's theory of relativity?
A: Newton's formula works well for most situations. Relativity becomes important near very massive objects or at very high velocities.