GCSE Physics - Gravity, Weight and GPE #3
Cognito・4 minutes read
Gravity is the force of attraction between objects based on their mass and distance, with weight calculated by multiplying an object's mass by the gravitational field strength. Gravitational potential energy is determined by the formula ep = mass x gravitational field strength x height and is transferred when lifting an object against gravity.
Insights
- Gravity is the force of attraction between objects, influenced by mass and distance. Objects like Earth exert significant gravitational pull due to their mass and proximity, whereas small objects like apples have minimal gravitational force.
- Weight is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by the gravitational field strength (9.8 newtons per kilo on Earth). This force of attraction towards Earth's center defines an object's weight, distinct from its mass.
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Recent questions
What determines the strength of gravity?
Mass of objects and distance between them.
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Summary
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Understanding Gravity, Weight, and Potential Energy
- Gravity is a force of attraction between objects, with the strength of this force determined by the mass of the objects and the distance between them. Small objects like apples have minimal gravitational force, while larger objects like Earth or the Moon exert a significant gravitational pull due to their mass and proximity.
- Weight is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by the gravitational field strength, which is 9.8 newtons per kilo on Earth. This force of attraction towards the center of the Earth is what we commonly refer to as an object's weight, distinct from its mass.
- Gravitational potential energy (ep) is determined by the formula ep = mass x gravitational field strength x height, measured in joules. This energy is transferred when lifting an object against gravity, with an example calculation showing how to determine the gravitational potential energy of an apple thrown three meters up in the air.
