Gravitational Force Between Two Masses
Gravitational Force Between Two Masses
\[F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}\]
Variables
F = gravitational force (N)
G = gravitational constant (6.67430×10^-11 N·m²/kg²)
m1 = first mass (kg)
m2 = second mass (kg)
r = distance between centers of mass (m)
Description
What is this formula?
This formula calculates the gravitational attraction force between two masses according to Newton's law of universal gravitation.
When to use it
Use this equation when analyzing gravitational interactions between planets, satellites, celestial bodies, or any two masses separated by a distance.
Example
Calculate the gravitational force between two masses of 500 kg and 800 kg separated by 2 m.
Data:
m1 = 500 kg
m2 = 800 kg
r = 2 m
G = 6.67430×10^-11 N·m²/kg²
Formula:
F = (G*m1*m2)/r²
Substitution:
F = (6.67430×10^-11 * 500 * 800)/2²
Result:
F ≈ 6.67×10^-6 N
Applications
Orbital mechanics, astronomy, satellite engineering, astrophysics, gravitational modeling, and physics education.
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