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Newton's Law

Physics: AQA A Level, topic 7.2.1

Newton's Law of Gravitation

Gravity is an attractive force acting between all matter. This force acts everywhere in the universe.

Gravity

Gravity

  • Gravitational force only depends on the mass of the two objects and the distance between them. The equation for calculating this force is:
  • Gravitational force = (gravitational constant x first mass x second mass) ÷ (the distance between the masses)2
  • F=(Gm1m2)/r2F=(G{m_1}{m_2})/r^2
Newton's third law

Newton's third law

  • Gravitational force acts along the line joining the two centres of the objects.
  • The magnitude of the force acting on both objects is the same. This is consistent with Newton's third law.

Test yourself on Newton's Law

  • Which direction does the gravitational force act?

  • What is the correct form for Newton's law of gravity?

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