Stella Academy

physics Module

Interactive Simulation Screen

SYS_OK

Lesson Directive // Gravity & FieldsREF_CORE

Universal Attraction

F_g

=

G

·

M

·

m

r

^2

Hover over a variable in the formula above, or see glossary below:

F_g

Gravitational Force

Newtons (N)

G

Gravitational Constant

N⋅m²/kg²

M

Mass 1 (Attractor)

Kilograms (kg)

m

Mass 2 (Satellite)

Kilograms (kg)

r

Distance

Meters (m)

Every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with a force proportional to the product of their masses.

INSIGHT: More massive objects create a stronger gravitational pull.

The Inverse-Square Law

The gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the centers of the masses. If you double the distance, the force becomes one-fourth as strong.

INSIGHT: Gravity weakens very quickly as you move away from a planet.

Orbital Mechanics

In orbit, a satellite moves sideways so fast that as it falls toward the planet, the surface curves away beneath it. It is constantly in free-fall.

INSIGHT: Orbits are just falling while moving sideways fast enough to miss the ground.

●Telemetry Control Console

CAL_SYS

Adjust Simulator Parameters

Attractor Mass:1x Earth

Syllabus Worked Example

Q: Calculate the gravitational force between Earth (M = 5.97 \times 10^{24} kg) and a 1000 kg satellite in Low Earth Orbit (r = 6.7 \times 10^6 m).

1.Identify given values and the gravitational constant G \approx 6.674 \times 10^{-11}.

2.Plug values into the formula: F_g = G \frac{M \cdot m}{r^2}.

3.Substitute the numbers: F_g = (6.674 \times 10^{-11}) \frac{5.97 \times 10^{24} \cdot 1000}{(6.7 \times 10^6)^2}.

4.Calculate the result.

Result:F_g \approx 8870 \text{ N}