1. What is Gravitational Force?

Gravitational force is the attractive force between two masses. On Earth, it's the force that gives weight to physical objects and causes them to fall toward the ground when dropped. The standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s².

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gravitational force formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Gravitational force (newtons)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the weight of an object on Earth by multiplying its mass by the gravitational acceleration.

3. Importance of Gravitational Force Calculation

Details: Understanding gravitational force is essential in physics, engineering, and everyday life. It helps determine weight, design structures, and understand planetary motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and gravity in m/s² (default is Earth's gravity: 9.8 m/s²). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is the amount of matter in an object (kg), while weight is the force exerted on that mass by gravity (N).

Q2: Does gravity vary on Earth?
A: Yes, gravity varies slightly by location (about 0.7% less at high altitudes, more at poles than equator).

Q3: How would I calculate weight on other planets?
A: Use the same formula but substitute the planet's gravity (e.g., Moon: 1.62 m/s², Mars: 3.71 m/s²).

Q4: Why is g approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth?
A: This value is derived from Earth's mass and radius through Newton's law of universal gravitation.

Q5: Is this calculator accurate for very large masses?
A: For everyday objects it's accurate, but for astronomical scales, Newton's law of universal gravitation should be used.