Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. This elegant inverse-square law explains not only why objects fall to the ground on Earth, but also the orbital mechanics of planets, moons, and satellites in astrophysics.
Universal Gravitation Equation
F = G × (m₁ × m₂) / r²
Where F is force, G is the gravitational constant (6.674×10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²), m₁/m₂ are the masses, and r is the distance between centers.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the mass of the first object (m₁) in kilograms.
- Enter the mass of the second object (m₂) in kilograms.
- Input the precise distance (r) separating the centers of the two masses in meters.
- Click Calculate to determine the mutual gravitational attraction force in Newtons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the gravitational force so weak in everyday life?
Gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces of nature. The gravitational constant (G) is an incredibly small number (10⁻¹¹). Therefore, you need objects with planetary-scale mass to generate a gravitational pull strong enough to be felt without highly sensitive laboratory equipment.
How does distance affect the gravitational pull?
Gravity follows an inverse-square law. This means that if you double the distance between two objects, the gravitational force between them doesn't just halve—it drops to a quarter (1/4) of its original strength. If you triple the distance, it drops to 1/9th.