1. What is Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that every particle attracts every other particle in the universe 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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Newton's gravitational formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Force of gravity (newtons)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²)
• \( m_1 \) — Mass of first object (kg)
• \( m_2 \) — Mass of second object (kg)
• \( r \) — Distance between centers of mass (meters)

Explanation: The force between two objects increases with their masses and decreases with the square of the distance between them.

3. Importance of Gravitational Force

Details: This fundamental force governs the motion of planets, stars, and galaxies. It's essential for understanding orbital mechanics, tides, and the structure of the universe.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter masses in kilograms and distance in meters. All values must be positive numbers (distance must be greater than 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the gravitational constant so small?
A: Gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces, but its effect accumulates with large masses like planets and stars.

Q2: Does this work for any two objects?
A: Yes, but the force is only noticeable when at least one object has astronomical mass (like a planet).

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's exact for point masses or spherical objects. For irregular shapes, it's an approximation.

Q4: Does this account for relativity?
A: No, for very strong gravitational fields or high velocities, Einstein's general relativity is needed.

Q5: Why does distance use the square?
A: Gravity follows an inverse-square law because its influence spreads out over a spherical surface area (which increases with r²).