5 Questions
According to Newton's law of gravitation, how does the force between two particles change with distance?
It decreases inversely with the square of the distance
According to Kepler's first law of planetary motion, what is the shape of the orbit?
Elliptical
What is the direction of the force according to Newton's law of gravitation?
Along the line joining the particles
According to Kepler's second law of planetary motion, how does the speed of a planet vary?
It varies in such a way that the radius vector drawn from the sun to the planet sweeps out equal areas in equal times
What is the important characteristic of gravitational force between two bodies?
It is a central force
Study Notes
Newton's Law of Gravitation
- The force between two particles decreases with an increase in distance between them, specifically, it is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.
- The direction of the force is always along the line joining the two particles, attractive in nature.
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
First Law
- The shape of the orbit of a planet is an ellipse, with the Sun at one of the foci.
Second Law
- The speed of a planet varies as it moves around the Sun, with the planet moving fastest when it is closest to the Sun and slowest when it is farthest from the Sun.
- The line joining the planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal times.
Characteristics of Gravitational Force
- The gravitational force between two bodies is always attractive, never repulsive.
- The force of gravity is a universal force, acting between all objects with mass, no matter how small or large.
Test your knowledge of Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion with this quiz. Explore the fundamental principles governing planetary motion, including the elliptical orbits and the equal area law.
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