Notes
The following topics are covered in this chapter.
-
State Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: Every particle in the universe
attracts every other particle with a force which is directly proportional to the
product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the
distance between their centres
- Use the equation for Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation to solve
problems 1 2
2
F G m m
r
- Define weight (Fg) as the gravitational force the Earth exerts on any object
on or near its surface
- Calculate the acceleration due to gravity on any planet using the equation:
2
planet
planet
M
g G
R
- Calculate the gravitational force on an object on other planets with different
values of gravitational acceleration.
- Distinguish between mass and weight
- Know that the unit of weight is the newton (N) and that of mass is the
kilogram (kg)