Gravity is a physical force that will attract two objects of mass toward each other. On Earth, it is the force that pulls all objects towards the surface of the planet. It also creates the sensation of weight. In interstellar space, it is observed as the force which keeps objects in orbit around one another.
Newton's Law
Sir Isaac Newton's observations about gravity culminated in a simple relationship known as Newton's Law:
- The gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to their masses
Represented mathematically:
- ForceGravity = (Mass1 * Mass2) / (Distance2)
References
Fast Facts
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Also known as
Gravitation
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Fact:
Responsible for keeping objects on Earth's surface
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Fact:
Responsible for the orbit of the planets
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Fact:
Observed force is stronger on planets with more mass
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Fact:
Acceleration due to gravity on Earth is 9.8 m/s2
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Fact:
Heavier objects will not accelerate faster than lighter objects
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Fact:
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Fact:
Albert Einstein established a more complex gravitational model in 1915
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Fact:
Einstein's model does not contradict the Newtonian modelNASA Worldbook: Gravitation
