Gravitational force, is it inverse square law?

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SUMMARY

The gravitational force between two masses follows the inverse square law, represented by the formula F=G*m1*m2/r². When the distance between two masses is doubled, the gravitational force decreases to one quarter of its original value. However, when measuring the weight of an object on Earth's surface, the force remains relatively constant due to the Earth's mass being concentrated at its center, which affects the perceived gravitational force. This misconception arises from not accounting for the Earth's mass distribution when calculating gravitational force at varying distances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Familiarity with the inverse square law
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational force and weight
  • Concept of mass distribution within celestial bodies
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation in real-world scenarios
  • Explore gravitational force calculations at varying distances from a mass
  • Investigate the effects of mass distribution on gravitational attraction
  • Learn about gravitational fields and their impact on weight measurements
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of gravitational force and its applications in real-world scenarios.

mabs239
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I may be having a misconecption, please guide me.

The force of gravitation between two masses is inverse square law force as depicted by the formula F=G*m1*m2/r'2. Doesn't it mean that this force is one quarter of the original when the distance between the masses is doubled. Now if a body of mass m is on Earth at a certain distance 'r'. At distance '2*r' the force should be divided by four. But in real the force (weight of the mass m) remains pretty same and does not change in the predicted proportion. What is wrong with my interpretation here?
 
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mabs239 said:
I may be having a misconecption, please guide me.

The force of gravitation between two masses is inverse square law force as depicted by the formula F=G*m1*m2/r'2. Doesn't it mean that this force is one quarter of the original when the distance between the masses is doubled. Now if a body of mass m is on Earth at a certain distance 'r'. At distance '2*r' the force should be divided by four. But in real the force (weight of the mass m) remains pretty same and does not change in the predicted proportion. What is wrong with my interpretation here?

You are measuring from the surface. But the mass attracting you is not at the surface. Where is it?
 
Thanks!

Its the centre of earth.
 

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