Gravity towards Center of Mass?

Thread starter particlemania
Start date Apr 22, 2010
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Center Center of mass Gravity Mass

In summary, the center of mass is the point in an object where the mass is evenly distributed and is important in relation to gravity because it is the point towards which all objects are attracted. Gravity works towards the center of mass by pulling objects towards the point where mass is concentrated. The distance from the center of mass affects the strength of gravity, with closer objects experiencing a stronger gravitational force. The shape of an object can also affect the location of the center of mass and the distribution and strength of gravity. Factors such as distance, acceleration due to gravity, and external forces can also impact the center of mass and gravity.

Apr 22, 2010

particlemania

Gravity towards Center of Mass??

Conceptual question:

Does gravity always act from the center of mass, regardless of shape of source of field, for finite mass distributions?

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Apr 22, 2010

D H

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No. The opposite is the case: Gravity appears to be toward the center of mass from all directions only in the case of a spherical mass distributions.

Related to Gravity towards Center of Mass?

1. What is the "center of mass" and why is it important in relation to gravity?

The center of mass is the point in an object where the mass is evenly distributed, meaning there is an equal amount of mass on either side. In terms of gravity, the center of mass is important because it is the point towards which all objects are attracted due to gravity.

2. How does gravity work towards the center of mass?

Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards each other. In the case of the center of mass, gravity pulls objects towards the point where the mass is concentrated, which is the center of mass. This is because objects with more mass have a stronger gravitational pull.

3. Does the distance from the center of mass affect the strength of gravity?

Yes, the strength of gravity does depend on the distance from the center of mass. The closer an object is to the center of mass, the stronger the gravitational force will be. As the distance increases, the gravitational force decreases.

4. How does the shape of an object affect the center of mass and gravity?

The shape of an object can affect the location of the center of mass. Objects with irregular shapes may have their center of mass located in a different place compared to objects with symmetrical shapes. This can also affect the distribution of mass and the strength of gravity towards the center of mass.

5. What other factors besides mass can affect the center of mass and gravity?

In addition to mass, the distance between objects and the acceleration due to gravity also play a role in the strength of gravity towards the center of mass. Additionally, the presence of other objects or external forces can also affect the location and strength of the center of mass and gravity.