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Gravity and Gravitation

Overview of Gravity and Gravitation

Gravity topics

Force of Gravity

Equivalence Principle of Gravity

Derivations of equations

Overview of Derivation of Gravity Equations

Derivation of Velocity-Time Gravity Equations

Derivation of Distance-Time Gravity Equations

Derivation of Velocity-Distance Gravity Equations

Falling objects

Overview of Gravity Equations for Falling Objects

Velocity Equations for Falling Objects

Distance Equations for Falling Objects

Time Equations for Falling Objects

Effect of Gravity on Sideways Motion

Thrown downward

Overview of Gravity Equations for Objects Projected Downward

Velocity Equations for Objects Projected Downward

Distance Equations for Objects Projected Downward

Time Equations for Objects Projected Downward

Thrown upward

Overview of Gravity Equations for Objects Projected Upward

Velocity Equations for Objects Projected Upward

Distance Equations for Objects Projected Upward

Time Equations for Objects Projected Upward

Gravity applications

Escape Velocity from Gravity

Artificial Gravity

Work by Gravity Against Inertia

Work Against Gravity and Inertia by an External Force

Gravitation topics

Overview of Gravitation

Universal Gravitation Equation

Gravity Equation Comes From Universal Gravitation Equation

Theories

Theories of Gravitation

Law of Universal Gravitation

General Relativity Theory of Gravitation

Quantum Theory of Gravitation

Applications

Applications of Universal Gravitation Equation

Influence of Gravitation in the Universe

Gravitation and Center of Mass

Length of Year for Objects in Gravitational Orbit

Effect of Dark Matter and Dark Energy on Gravitation

Escape velocity

Gravitational Escape Velocity

Gravitational Escape Velocity Derivation

Effect of Sun on Escape Velocity from Earth

Gravitational Escape Velocity for a Black Hole


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Explanation of Overview of Gravitation - Succeed in Understanding Physics. Also refer to Law of Universal Gravitation, Isaac Newton, matter, attraction, force, mass, gravity, Einstein, relativity, dark matter, quantum mechanics, fundamental forces, physical science, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Overview of Gravitation

by Ron Kurtus (revised 22 January 2010)

Gravitation is the attraction between objects because of their mass. Objects can range in size from sub-atomic particles to celestial masses, such as planets, stars and galaxies. Other properties of gravitation include attraction to the center or mass, escape velocity and gravity.

The concept of that matter attracts other objects was formulated by Isaac Newton as the Law of Universal Gravitation. This theory has been superseded by newer theories of gravitation, such as Albert Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity and the Theory of Quantum Gravitation.

The Universal Gravitation Equation defines the force of attraction between two objects in ordinary situations. The equation can be simplified to give the gravity equation for objects near Earth.

Questions you may have include:

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Useful tools: Metric-English Conversion | Scientific Calculator.

Properties of gravitation

All objects consisting of matter exhibit the property of gravitational attraction and tend to move toward each other. This property is considered universal and exists throughout the Universe.

No shield

As far as we know, there is no way to shield the effect of gravitation. There are theories that there exists "dark matter" that repels standard matter, however dark matter has never been detected.

Center of mass

Between two objects, there is a center of mass of the objects. When the objects move toward each other, the will meet at the center of mass. If one is revolving around the other, as in the case of a moon around a planet, both objects are actually rotating around the center of mass.

Escape velocity

It is possible for an object to be propelled at a sufficient velocity away from another object that it will overcome the gravitational attraction between the two. An example of this is when a rocket escapes the gravitation from the Earth.

Gravity

The expressions gravity and gravitation are often commonly interchanged. However, the correct scientific terminology considers gravity as a special case of gravitation for objects near the Earth.

For gravitation close to other large objects, you should include the name of the object, such as: "gravity of the Moon" or "gravity of the Sun."

For astronomical situations, gravitation is the correct term to use.

Gravitational theories

There have been several theories trying to explain the cause of gravitation.

Law of Universal Gravitation

In 1687, Isaac Newton formulated the Law of Universal Gravitation, which states that all objects are attracted toward other objects, due to a force acting at a distance, called gravitation.

Theory of General Relativity

In 1915, Albert Einstein gave another interpretation of gravitation in his Theory of General Relativity. He stated that gravitation was the result of the curvature of space toward matter and not due to some force.

Verification of the theory was in explaining the unusual orbit of the planet Mercury and measuring the effect of gravitation on deflecting light waves as they pass a star.

Theory of Quantum Gravitation

Recent considerations in Quantum Physics say that gravitation is one of four fundamental forces in nature. The force of each is created by an exchange of special or virtual particles. In the case of gravitation, the particle is called the graviton. This interaction leads to an explanation of gravitation at very small distances.

Gravitation Equation

Just as there are several theories about the cause of gravitation, likewise, there are several equations that define the force.

Universal Gravitation Equation

Newton formulated the Universal Gravitation Equation, which allows the calculation of the force between two objects. The equation is:

F = GMm/R2

where

Gravity equation

The gravity equation is a simplification of the gravitational equation for objects relatively close to the Earth:

F = mg

where

Other equations

The Theory of General Relativity provides a set of 10 complex equations to describe gravitation. Likewise, Quantum Mechanics and other newer theories explain gravitational force with sophisticated equations.

They are beyond the scope of our material.

Summary

Gravitation is the attraction between objects because of their mass. Other properties of gravitation include attraction to the center or mass, escape velocity and gravity. Theories of gravitation are the Law of Universal Gravitation, the Theory of General Relativity and the Theory of Quantum Gravity.

The Universal Gravitation Equation defines the force of attraction between two objects in ordinary situations. The equation can be simplified to give the gravity equation for objects near Earth.

Answers to Readers' Questions

See the Side Menu for more Gravitation and Gravity topics


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Resources

The following resources provide information on this subject:

Websites

Acceleration due to Gravity Calculations - from Western Washington University

Gravity and Gravitation Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Simple Gravity Science

Top-rated books on Advanced Gravity Physics


Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. What is the difference between gravitation and gravity?

They are different spellings of the same word

Gravitation attracts and gravity repels

Gravity is gravitation on or near the Earth

2. What was one proof that gravitation is due to the curvature of space?

Light passing by huge masses such as the Sun was deflected

No one has figured out how to prove it yet

A ball thrown in the air follows a curved path

3. How does the force of gravitation vary with distance?

It gets stronger the further you are from an object

It is independent of distance

It decreases the further you are from an object

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Physics. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.


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