Gravitational force
What is gravitational force?
Gravitational force is a force of attraction that is exerted by objects on one another as a result of their mass.
List two characteristics of gravitational force.
The force of gravity is :
- a force of attraction
- a non contact force
List examples of gravitational force.
# it keeps the Moon in its orbit.
around the Earth, which causes.
the tides of the sea.
# the gravitational force of the earth
keeps the satellites in its orbits.
# it keeps the planets around the sun
in place.
How is gravitational force directed?
Gravitational force is always directed at the centre point of the mass of the object.
List the two factors that determine the magnitude of the gravitational force and explain.
~ The mass of objects :
objects with a greater mass have
more force of attraction on one
another.
~ The distance between objects:
the force of attraction between
objects becomes less as the
distance between objects
becomes greater.
Which unit is gravitational force measured in?
Gravitational force in measured in Newton (N)