Gravitational Force Calculator
Calculate gravitational force between two masses.
Newton’s Law of Gravitation
F = Gm₁m₂/r².
How Gravitational Force Works
Newton’s law of universal gravitation states that every two masses attract each other. The force grows with both masses and becomes weaker as the distance between their centers increases.
Example Calculation
Two 1,000 kg masses separated by 2 m attract each other with F = 6.67430×10⁻¹¹ × 1000 × 1000 / 2², giving approximately 1.67 × 10⁻⁵ N. This tiny value shows why gravity between ordinary objects is difficult to notice.
Factors and Interpretation
Doubling either mass doubles the force. Doubling the distance reduces the force to one quarter because distance is squared. For planets and satellites, the masses are so large that gravitational force becomes the dominant interaction controlling orbital motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distance should I enter?
Use the center-to-center distance between the two masses.
What value of G is used?
The calculator uses 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg².
Does gravity ever become zero?
In the ideal law it approaches zero as distance becomes extremely large, but it does not suddenly stop at a fixed distance.
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Formula and Practical Limits
Newtonian gravitational force is F = Gm₁m₂/r² for ideal point masses or spherically symmetric bodies measured center to center. At very small separations between extended objects, geometry can require a more detailed treatment.