How to the Gravitational Force Calculator User Guide
Follow these steps to easily use the calculator:
1. Input Values
- Enter the mass of the first object in Mass 1.
- Enter the mass of the second object in Mass 2.
- Input the distance between the two objects in Distance.
2. Select Initial Units
Choose units for Mass 1, Mass 2, and Distance from their respective dropdowns (kg, g, lbs for mass; m, cm, f for distance).
3. Convert Units (Optional)
You can convert units individually for Mass1, Mass2, and Distance, using the Convert to dropdown.
4. View Results
- The gravitational force between the objects will be displayed in the result section.
- The converted result will also be displayed, by default in Newtons (N) which can be changed/converted into dynes, or poundals (pdl).
Important Notes
- Make sure to enter numeric values for mass and distance and not alphabets/strings.
- Units must be consistent. E.g., if using grams for `Mass 1`, use grams for `Mass 2`.
- If you enter invalid inputs or inconsistent units, an error message will appear.
- Non-Integer Values: Decimals are allowed.
- Scientific Notation: For exponents, for example, 10^12 you can type, 10e12, or for 10^-12 you can type 10e-12
Understanding the Formula for Gravitational Force
The gravitational force between two objects is described by Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation, it’s formula is:
$$
F = \frac{{G \times m_1 \times m_2}}{{r^2}}
$$
Where:
- \( F \) is the gravitational force between the two objects.
- \( G \) is the gravitational constant, \(6.67430 \times 10^{-11} \, \text{m}^3 \, \text{kg}^{-1} \, \text{s}^{-2}\).
- \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) are the masses of the two objects.
- \( r \) is the distance between the centers of the two objects.
Important Facts About the Newton’s Law of Gravitation
- The gravitational force is attractive, meaning it always pulls the two masses towards each other.
- The force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance, meaning as the distance between the two objects increases, the force decreases, and vice versa.
- The force is directly proportional to the product of the masses, meaning that increasing the mass of either object will increase the gravitational force between them.
