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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the definition and implications of "g," the acceleration due to gravity, as derived from Newton's Law of Gravitation. The formula for gravitational force is clarified as f=GMm/r², where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, and r is the distance from the center of the Earth. The conversation emphasizes the relationship between gravitational force and acceleration, specifically at the Earth's surface, where g can be expressed as g=GM/R². The participants engage in clarifying the formalism and definitions surrounding these concepts.

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  • Familiarity with gravitational force and acceleration concepts
  • Basic knowledge of physics terminology, including mass and distance
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving gravitational constants
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Dirac
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Dirac.
 
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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?
 

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