Gravity SAQ

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What is the unit of the force of attraction between two point masses according to Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

Newtons (N)

What is the relationship between the force of attraction and the distance between two point masses?

The force of attraction is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

What happens to the force of attraction when the distance between two point masses is doubled?

The force of attraction is divided by 4.

What is the centre of gravity of a body?

The point at which the whole weight of a body appears to act. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why the Earth's atmosphere is held in place?

The Earth's gravity. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Moon not have a sustainable atmosphere?

Because its mass is too small, and hence its gravity is not strong enough. Signup and view all the answers

What is the acceleration due to gravity (g) on a planet?

The acceleration experienced by a body in free fall within the gravitational field of a massive body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between weight (W) and mass (m) and acceleration due to gravity (g)?

W = mg Signup and view all the answers

What is terminal velocity?

The constant velocity reached by an object when the force of gravity is balanced by the force of air resistance. Signup and view all the answers

How does the mass of a celestial body affect its ability to sustain an atmosphere?

A celestial body with a larger mass has a stronger gravitational field, which can sustain an atmosphere, whereas a body with a smaller mass has a weaker gravitational field, making it difficult to sustain an atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the inverse square law in Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

The inverse square law signifies that the force of attraction between two point masses decreases rapidly with increasing distance, resulting in a weaker gravitational force at larger distances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the weight of an object and the acceleration due to gravity on a planet?

The weight of an object is equal to the product of its mass and the acceleration due to gravity on a planet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition necessary for an object to reach terminal velocity?

An object reaches terminal velocity when the force of gravity (weight) is equal to the force of air resistance (friction) in the opposite direction, resulting in a constant velocity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main force responsible for holding the solar system in place?

The massive pull of the Sun's gravitational field Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Earth's gravity sufficient to sustain an atmosphere, but the Moon's gravity is not?

The Earth's mass is much larger than the Moon's, resulting in a stronger gravitational field that can hold onto its atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for Newtons universal Law of Gravitation?

F = Gm1m2 / d^2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the symbol 'd' in Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

It represents the distance between the centers of gravity of the two interacting objects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result when the force of air resistance equals the weight of an object in free fall?

The object reaches terminal velocity, where its acceleration is zero and its velocity is constant. Signup and view all the answers