Why Is Gravitational Force Equal to Mass Times Acceleration?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between gravitational force, mass, and gravitational acceleration, specifically questioning why gravitational force is expressed as the product of mass and gravitational acceleration (F=mg). The scope includes conceptual understanding and foundational principles of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the equation F=mg, questioning the reasoning behind it.
  • Another participant requests background information, suggesting familiarity with Newton's laws may be necessary for deeper understanding.
  • A participant expresses a lack of understanding regarding the concept.
  • Another participant explains that if a mass m is falling with acceleration a equal to gravitational acceleration g, then the force acting on the body can be expressed as F=mg.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus, as participants express varying levels of understanding and familiarity with the underlying principles.

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Why is gravitational force equal mass multiply gravitational acceleration
F=m.g
 
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Give some background for your question, which is pretty broad. Are you familiar with Newton's laws?
 
i don't understand it very much
 
If a mass m is falling with acceleration a=g, and F=ma, then the force on the body must be F =mg.
 

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