Gravitational Force

Definition

Gravitational force is the attractive force that exists between any two objects with mass. It is the force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun, and it is the force that causes objects to accelerate downward towards the Earth's surface. Gravitational force is a fundamental force in the universe and is described by Newton's law of universal gravitation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gravitational force is a conservative force, meaning that the work done by the force is independent of the path taken between two points.
2. The strength of the gravitational force between two objects is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
3. Near the surface of the Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s\^2, which means that an object dropped near the Earth's surface will accelerate downward at this rate.
4. In the case of uniform circular motion, the centripetal force that causes the object to move in a circular path is provided by the gravitational force between the object and the center of the circular motion.
5. Gravitational force is responsible for the formation of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, as well as the motion of these bodies in the universe.

Review Questions

• Explain how gravitational force is related to the concept of force in physics.
  • Gravitational force is a fundamental type of force in physics that arises due to the mutual attraction between any two objects with mass. Like other forces, gravitational force can be described by its magnitude and direction, and it obeys Newton's laws of motion. Gravitational force is the force that causes objects to accelerate downward towards the Earth's surface and is also responsible for the circular motion of planets around the Sun.
• Describe how gravitational force is involved in the phenomenon of uniform circular motion.
  • In the case of uniform circular motion, the centripetal force that causes an object to move in a circular path is provided by the gravitational force between the object and the center of the circular motion. For example, in the case of a satellite orbiting the Earth, the gravitational force between the satellite and the Earth provides the centripetal force that keeps the satellite in a circular orbit. The strength of this gravitational force is determined by the masses of the satellite and the Earth, as well as the distance between them, as described by Newton's law of universal gravitation.
• Analyze the role of gravitational force in the formation and motion of celestial bodies in the universe.
  • Gravitational force is a fundamental force that plays a crucial role in the formation and motion of celestial bodies in the universe. The gravitational attraction between particles of matter is responsible for the formation of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies through the process of gravitational collapse. Once formed, these celestial bodies continue to exert gravitational forces on each other, leading to the complex motions we observe, such as the orbits of planets around stars and the motion of galaxies within galaxy clusters. The strength of these gravitational forces is determined by the masses of the celestial bodies and the distances between them, as described by Newton's law of universal gravitation. Understanding the role of gravitational force has been essential for our ability to accurately model and predict the behavior of the universe.

Related terms

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: The law that states that any two objects with mass exert an attractive force on each other that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

Acceleration due to Gravity: The acceleration experienced by an object near the surface of the Earth due to the Earth's gravitational pull, which has a value of approximately 9.8 m/s\^2.

Centripetal Force: The force that causes an object to move in a circular path, which in the case of uniform circular motion is provided by the gravitational force.