Gravitational Force

Question 1

Gravitational Forces

What happens to the amount of strength of gravititational force when the distance between objects changes?

Debra’s Hint: How is the gravitational force like close and far away?

(Optional to flip if needed)

Answer 1

The gravitational Force between two objects decreases as the distance between them increases. Or increases as the distance between them decreases.

• Inverse-sqaure Law: Closer = Gravitational Force increases
• Distance doubles = The gravitational force is one fourth as strong
• Distance triples = The gravitational force is one ninth as strong.

This is indeed the Inverse-sqaure Law!

Question 2

Gravitational Forces

What happens to the amount of strength of gravitational force when the mass of one or both of the objects changes?

Debra’s HInt: Think of how Jupiter is bigger than Mercury

(Optional to flip if needed)

Answer 2

The gravitational force increases if the mass of either object increases.
- Laws of Masses:
- Increase (Large) in mass = Gravitational force doubles
- Decrease (Small) in mass = Gravitational force gets half as strong.
- Both increase/Decrease = The Gravitational force is significantly getting stronger (Increases); The Gravitational force is getting weak if they farther away.

In short: The greater the masses of the objects, the stronger the gravitational force between them.

Question 3

Gravitational Forces

What is meant by acceleration due to gravity?

Debra’s Hint: On Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is an…

Answer 3

On Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is an object in free fall gaining speed.

Question 4

Gravitational Forces

What is Earth’s acceleration due to gravity?

Debra’s Hint: It has acceleration metric units! (numbers)

(Optional to flip if needed)

Answer 4

9.8 m/s2 = Earth’s acceleration due to gravity

Need to memorize! >.<

Question 5

Gravitational Forces

What happens when an object is at free fall?

Debra’s Hint: Occurs when falling objects are accelerating due to…

(Optiotional to flip if needed)

Answer 5

Occurs when falling objects are accelerating due to gravity and no other forces are acting on it.

Question 6

Gravitational Forces

What effect does mass & distance have on the different planets in the solar system?

Debra’s Hint: Debra, just flip buddy.

(Optional to Flip if needed)

Answer 6

Mass Effects:
- Bigger Planets (Like jupiter) have a stronger gravitational force (can hold thick atmospheres).
- Smaller Planets (Like mercury) have a weaker gravitational force (struggle to keep an atmosphere)

Distance Effects:
- Planets closer to the sun have a stronger gravitational force, so they orbit faster (mercury & venus)
- Planets farther away from the sun have a weak sun gravity, so they orbit slower Neptune)