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Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

Over 300 years ago Newton figured out the Law of Universal Gravitation. The law is diagrammed below. The table describes the parts of the relationship. Note that 'G' is a very small number. Notice also that the gravitational force is a mutual force - felt equally by both objects.

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation wikipedia illustration
Name Description Units
F1 Gravitational force felt by object 1 Newtons
F2 Gravitational force felt by object 2 Newtons
G Gravitational constant 6.674×10-11 N m2 kg-2
M1 Object 1 kilograms
M2 Object 2 kilograms
r radius meters

Directions


  1. m1=m2= 2kg; r=1m. F = ?
  2. m1=m2= 2kg; r=1m. F = ?
  3. m1=m2= 3kg; r=1m. F = ?
  4. m1=m2= 4kg; r=1m. F = ?
  5. m1=m2= 4kg; r=2m. F = ?
  6. m1=m2= 4kg; r=3m. F = ?
  7. m1=m2= 4kg; r=4m. F = ?
  1. If the mass is doubled the gravitational force is _____________.
  2. If the mass is tripled the gravitational force is _____________.
  3. If the mass is quadrupled the gravitational force is _____________.
  4. If the distance is doubled the gravitational force is _____________.
  5. If the distance is tripled the gravitational force is _____________.
  6. If the distance is quadrupled the gravitational force is _____________.