Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: FG= Fg=Gm/r2

In summary, Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that any two objects in the universe attract each other with a force directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The equation for this law is FG = Fg = Gm1m2/r^2, with units of measurement including Newtons (N), Newtons times meters squared per kilogram squared (Nm^2/kg^2), kilograms (kg), and meters (m). Newton discovered this law through experiments, observations, and mathematical calculations. This law applies to all objects in the universe, but is most noticeable and applicable to objects with large masses.
  • #1
isyang94
16
0
Hello, i am so confused
Newton's universal gravitation states FG= Gm1m2/r squared and in this case FG stands for the force of gravitational attraction between any 2 objects, but why is Fg (gravitational field strength) equaled to fg=Gm/r squared? why are FG and Fg used interchangeably? i do not understand the whole concept
thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org

1. What is Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that any two objects in the universe attract each other with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

2. What is the equation for Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

The equation is expressed as FG = Fg = Gm1m2/r^2, where FG is the force of gravity between two objects, Fg is the gravitational force, G is the universal gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between them.

3. How did Newton discover this law?

Newton discovered this law through a series of experiments and observations, as well as mathematical calculations. He observed the motion of objects on Earth and the movement of celestial bodies in the sky, and realized that there was a universal force of attraction between all objects.

4. What are the units of measurement for the variables in Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

The units of measurement for the variables in the equation are as follows: FG and Fg are measured in Newtons (N), G is measured in Newtons times meters squared per kilogram squared (Nm^2/kg^2), m1 and m2 are measured in kilograms (kg), and r is measured in meters (m).

5. Does Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation apply to all objects in the universe?

Yes, Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation applies to all objects in the universe, regardless of their size or distance from each other. However, it is most noticeable and applicable to objects with large masses, such as planets and stars.

Similar threads

I Weak principle of equivalence (Galileo, Newton)
    • Classical Physics
Replies
5
Views
764
B A question about why gravity is only attractive
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
7
Views
2K
Determine the mass of the planet using Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
B Inertial Mass vs Gravitational Mass
    • Classical Physics
Replies
6
Views
90
B Gravitational field strength calculation
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
3
Views
3K
How to truly understand the math in physics
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
7
Views
2K
I Why Did Newton Use d² for Gravitation Law?
    • Mechanics
Replies
10
Views
1K
Gravitational Force (F) Undefined: What Does it Mean?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Balanced forces - Electrical and Gravitational forces
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
B Why gravitational force is attractive? (and why dark matter is repulsive?)
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
10
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top