1. What is the Gravitational Force Formula?

The Gravitational Force Formula, also known as Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, describes the attractive force between two objects with mass. It states that every point mass attracts every other point mass by a force acting along the line intersecting both points.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gravitational force formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Gravitational force (N)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³ kg⁻¹ s⁻²)
• \( m_1 \) — 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 two masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.

3. Importance of Gravitational Force Calculation

Details: This fundamental formula is crucial for understanding celestial mechanics, orbital dynamics, and the behavior of objects under gravitational influence. It's used in astronomy, astrophysics, and space exploration.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both masses in kilograms and the distance in meters. All values must be positive (masses > 0, distance > 0). The calculator uses the standard gravitational constant value.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the gravitational constant?
A: The gravitational constant (G) is a fundamental physical constant that determines the strength of the gravitational force between objects. Its value is approximately 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³ kg⁻¹ s⁻².

Q2: Why is the distance squared in the formula?
A: The inverse-square law nature of gravity means that the force decreases with the square of the distance between objects, reflecting how gravitational influence spreads through three-dimensional space.

Q3: Can this formula be used for any two objects?
A: Yes, the formula applies to any two objects with mass, though for extremely massive objects or very small distances, general relativity provides more accurate results.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation for everyday objects?
A: While technically accurate, gravitational forces between everyday objects are extremely small and usually negligible compared to other forces like electromagnetic forces.

Q5: What are typical values for gravitational force?
A: For celestial bodies: Earth-Moon force ≈ 2.0 × 10²⁰ N, Earth-Sun force ≈ 3.5 × 10²² N. For everyday objects: two 1kg masses 1m apart experience ≈ 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N force.