1. What is Gravity Calculation?

Definition: This calculator computes the gravitational acceleration (g) based on Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation.

Purpose: It helps physicists, astronomers, and students understand and calculate gravitational acceleration for different celestial bodies.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³/kg·s²)
• \( M \) — Mass of the celestial body (kg)
• \( r \) — Radius from the center of mass (m)

Explanation: The gravitational force is directly proportional to the mass and inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

3. Importance of Gravity Calculation

Details: Understanding gravity is fundamental for space exploration, satellite orbits, and understanding planetary physics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms, radius in meters, and gravitational constant (default 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the gravitational constant?
A: It's a fundamental physical constant that determines the strength of gravity between two masses.

Q2: What's Earth's gravity using this formula?
A: With M = 5.972 × 10²⁴ kg and r = 6.371 × 10⁶ m, g ≈ 9.81 m/s².

Q3: Why is radius squared in the formula?
A: Gravity follows an inverse-square law, meaning its strength decreases with the square of the distance.

Q4: Can I calculate surface gravity for other planets?
A: Yes, just input the planet's mass and radius to get its surface gravity.

Q5: How precise is this calculation?
A: It's theoretically precise, but real-world measurements may vary slightly due to factors like planetary rotation.