Gravitational force general question

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational force between two bodies on Earth, specifically focusing on the nature and direction of this force in relation to their masses and distance apart.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the idea of gravitational force acting between two masses, questioning whether this force is equal and opposite. There is also confusion regarding the direction of gravitational force, particularly in relation to the Earth's gravity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of gravitational force, noting that all masses generate gravity, which has led to further exploration of the implications of this concept. The discussion reflects a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the fundamental principles of gravitational interaction.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a visual aid (a picture) that may provide additional context, although its content is not described in the thread. The discussion also highlights the common assumption that gravitational force always points towards the center of the Earth, which is being questioned.

Miike012
Messages
1,009
Reaction score
0
say two bodies on Earth are aligned a distance r from one another with masses m1 and m2.
Do they have a gravitational force that points to each other that are equal and opp direction...

please look at my picture ..
 

Attachments

  • gf.png
    gf.png
    1.2 KB · Views: 483
Physics news on Phys.org
I am confused because I thought gravitational force was a force that always pointed down or towards the center of the earth...?
 
Miike012 said:
I am confused because I thought gravitational force was a force that always pointed down or towards the center of the earth...?

No. All mass generates gravity. The boxes have mass, therefore gravity. You and I have mass and therefore generate gravity. For these though, it's just very, very tiny.

Here on Earth, the largest mass we commonly encounter is the Earth's, most other thing we encounter directly are too small for their gravity to be felt.
 
Thank you
 

Similar threads

Exploring the Relationship between Buoyancy Force and Gravitational Force
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Why used $\cos\theta$ for $\text{y}$ axis or, gravitational force?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How to get gravitational force on a gaseous particle?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
What is the period of this binary orbit?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Force analysis of a spring-bob system
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
851
Solving a Closed System w/Conservative Forces: Is E1=E2 Always True?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Why does the gravitational force decrease below the Earth's surface?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Why are centripetal and gravitational forces equal in orbiting bodies?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Magnitude of net Gravitational Force
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
How to find the equilibrium position of three masses (two of them fixed)?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K