Newton's Law of Gravitation

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, components, and variables of Newton's Law of Gravitation.

Newton's Law of Gravitation

The law stating that the gravitational force between two point masses is proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of their separation.

Point Masses

The idealized assumption applied to all planets and stars when determining the gravitational force between bodies outside a uniform field.

Newton's Law of Gravitation Equation

$$F = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}$$

Newton's Gravitational Constant ($G$)

The proportionality constant $G$ used in the gravitational force equation $F = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}$.

Gravitational Force ($F$)

The force between two masses outside a uniform field, measured in newtons ($\text{N}$).

Separation Distance ($r$)

The distance between the centre of the two masses, measured in metres ($\text{m}$).

Masses ($m_1$ and $m_2$)

The mass of body 1 and mass of body 2 in Newton's Law of Gravitation, measured in kilograms ($\text{kg}$).