Force of Gravity Equation:
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The force of gravity equation calculates the gravitational force exerted on an object near the Earth's surface. It's a fundamental equation in physics that describes the relationship between mass and gravitational force.
The calculator uses Newton's second law of motion:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that the gravitational force on an object is directly proportional to its mass and the local gravitational acceleration.
Details: Calculating gravitational force is essential for understanding weight, designing structures, engineering applications, and solving physics problems involving motion under gravity.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and gravitational acceleration in m/s² (9.8 m/s² for Earth). The calculator will compute the force in newtons.
Q1: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is the amount of matter (measured in kg), while weight is the force of gravity on that mass (measured in newtons).
Q2: Why is g = 9.8 m/s²?
A: This is the average acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface. It varies slightly by location (9.78-9.83 m/s²).
Q3: How does this relate to Newton's Second Law?
A: This is a specific application of F=ma, where a is replaced by g for gravitational force calculations.
Q4: What if I'm on another planet?
A: Use the gravitational acceleration of that planet (e.g., 1.62 m/s² for the Moon, 3.71 m/s² for Mars).
Q5: How is this used in real-world applications?
A: Used in engineering to calculate loads, in physics experiments, and in space missions to determine required thrust.