We know gravity is the fundamental force and is the elemental concept of Physics. Gravity or gravitational force is the contribution of the great scientist Sir Isaac Newton. We know that dropping an apple from a tree was the reason for the inception of the Law of Universal Gravitation. In this session, let us learn about the gravity formula and its application.
Gravity or Gravitation Formula
Gravity also termed as gravitation, is a force that occurs among all material objects in the universe. For any two objects or units having non-zero mass, the force of gravity has a tendency to attract them toward each other. Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation states that:
“Every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with force directly proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them”.
If the distance between two masses m1 and m2 is d, then the gravity formula is articulated as:
Where,
- G is a constant equal to 6.67 × 10-11 N-m2/kg2
- m1 is the mass of the body 1
- m2 is the mass of body 2
- r is the radius or distance between the two bodies
The gravitational force formula is very useful in computing gravity values, larger mass, larger radius, etc.
Gravity Problems Solved Examples
Underneath are given some questions on gravity which helps one to comprehend the use of this formula.
Problem 1: Calculate the force due to gravitation being applied on two objects of mass 2 Kg and 5 Kg divided by the distance 5cm?
Answer:
Given: Mass m1 = 2 Kg,
Mass m2 = 5 Kg,
Radius r = 5 cm.
Gravitational Constant G = 6.67 ×× 10-11 Nm2/Kg2
Problem 2. What is the magnitude of the gravitational force between the earth and a 1 kg object on its surface? (Mass of the earth is
Answer:
From Newton’s law of gravitation, we know that the force of attraction between the bodies is given by
Substituting in the above equation,
This shows that the earth exerts force 9.8 N on a body of mass of 1 Kg.
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