How Does Newton's Law of Gravitation Influence Modern Physics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dirac
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Law Newton's law
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the definition and implications of "g," the acceleration due to gravity, in the context of Newton's Law of Gravitation. Participants clarify that "g" is derived from the formula g = GM/R^2, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the Earth's mass, and R is the radius of the Earth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between gravitational force and acceleration. There is a focus on the formalism of these concepts and how they relate to modern physics. Overall, the dialogue highlights the foundational role of Newton's law in explaining gravitational phenomena.
Dirac
Messages
19
Reaction score
0
:smile:

Dirac.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, what is the definition of "g"?
 
It is true that "g" has units of force per mass, but that is not what I asked you about.

What is the standard meaning of "g"?
Hint: It has a name all by itself..
 
No, it is called the "acceleration due to gravity".
Have you heard that expression before?
 
You never said what "g" was, only A!
In your problem, it should be interpreted as the acceleration at the Earth's surface.

So, letting M be the Earth's mass, we have that g=M/R^2
Is that enough of a hint?
 
I forgot it..
It should be g=GM/R^2
 
I think the ingredient's you need are f=GmM/r/r Newtons law of gravity and f=ma then you prove the rest simply by definition of small g=a at r=R. You do a few substitutions and you are there. You are probably having problems with the formalism of the process?
 
This has gone on for 6 responses now and I still wonder: What are you asking about Newton's law of gravity?
 

Similar threads

Newton's third law and weight
Replies
13
Views
898
Newton's Third Law for book on a table
Replies
8
Views
3K
Newton's second law (My turtle named Newton being accelerated)
Replies
9
Views
2K
Are there situations in which Newton's laws are not fulfilled?
Replies
14
Views
2K
How can l prove that Newton's laws are time invariant?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Newton's 2nd Law: Why is Resistance Considered a Positive Force?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Blowing Into Your Own Sail
Replies
25
Views
1K
Where does Newton's third law fail?
Replies
9
Views
2K
Feynman's Lectures exercise about Newton's laws
Replies
13
Views
2K
Rocket acceleration problem: confused about Newton's 2nd Law
Replies
42
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top