Gravity
Gravity. Force and law of gravitation
Would you like to know more about gravity and the force it generates?
The online gravity simulations on this page will help you understand what gravity is and how the force of gravity acts on any object.
The online gravity simulations on this page will help you understand what gravity is and how the force of gravity acts on any object.
The force of gravity is a fundamental force that manifests itself throughout the universe and is responsible for keeping objects with mass attracted to each other. It is a very weak force compared to other fundamental forces, such as the electromagnetic force, but its range is infinite.
According to Newton’s law of universal gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the mass of each object and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. That is, the greater the mass of an object, the greater the gravitational force it exerts, and the greater the distance between two objects, the smaller the gravitational force acting between them.
The force of gravity is responsible for keeping the planets in orbit around the sun and for keeping us glued to the surface of the Earth. Without gravity, the planets would move in straight lines instead of following elliptical orbits, and we would float in space instead of being attached to the surface of the Earth.
Understanding gravity is essential to our understanding of the large-scale universe. Gravity is crucial in the formation of galaxies and the structure of the universe as a whole. Understanding how gravity works helps us explain phenomena such as the formation of black holes, the interaction of stars and galaxies, and the expansion of the universe.
Below are several simulations and other educational resources, which can also serve as very illustrative examples. In addition, a selection of books and courses is included to help you broaden your knowledge of this subject.
- Law
- Lab I
- Lab II
- Planets
Newton's Law of Gravitation
The Law of Gravitation states that the force of gravity is proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distances.
Gravitational Force Lab I
Visualize the gravitational force that two objects exert on each other. Discover the factors that affect gravitational attraction and determine how adjusting these factors will change the gravitational force.
File
Gravitational Force Lab II
Visualize the force of gravity that two objects exert on each other. Change the properties of the objects in order to see how changing the properties affects the gravitational attraction.
File
Earth Science


Introduction to Deep Earth Science


Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice
Astronomy


Introduction to Astrophysics