Universal Law of Gravitation


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Universal Law of Gravitation

The Universal Law of Gravitation:

The law was formulated by Newton. The gravitational force of attraction between any two particles in the universe is directly proportional to the product of the masses of the particles and is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the particles. The direction of the force is along the line joining the two particles. Let A and B be two particles of masses m_1 and m_2  respectively. Let the distance AB = r. By the law of gravitation, the particle A attracts the particle B with a force F, such that 

F ∝ m_1m_2  (for a given separation between the particles)

F alpha frac{1}{r^2} (for; a ;given ;pair; of; particles).

So, Falpha frac{ m_1 m_2}{ r^2} or;; F = frac{G m_1 m_2}{ r^2}

Here “G” is a constant known as the universal constant of gravitation. The value of G was experimentally measured in the laboratory by Cavendish, long after Newton’s death. This value is

G= 6.67 X 10^{-11} Nm^2/ kg^2

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Sample Questions
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Question : 1

The gravitational force of attraction between any two particles in the universe is  _____________________  proportional to the product of the masses of the particles.

Right Option : A
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Question : 2

What will be the acceleration due to gravity if the mass of the planet is doubled and the radius halved?

Right Option : C
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Question : 3

Which of the following are correct :

(a) The SI unit of G is Nm2/kg2 .

(b) The gravitational force of attraction between any two particles in the universe is inversely proportional to the product of the masses of the particles

(c)  The gravitational force of attraction between any two particles in the universe is directly proportional to the square of the distance between the particles.

Right Option : A
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