Gravity Force Worksheet
Physics • Universal Gravitation
Gravitational Force Practice
Name:
Date:
Period:
Formula \(F_g = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}\)
Gravitational Constant \(G = 6.674 \times 10^{-11} \, \text{N}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2\)
Units: \(m\) in \(\text{kg}\), \(r\) in \(\text{m}\), \(F_g\) in \(\text{N}\)
Note: Square the distance \(r\) in denominator
1. Classroom Desk Partners
Two physics students sit side-by-side at a lab table. Student 1 has a mass of \(60.0 \text{ kg}\) and Student 2 has a mass of \(75.0 \text{ kg}\). Their centers of mass are separated by a distance of \(1.50 \text{ m}\). Calculate the gravitational force of attraction between them.
\(m_1 = 60.0 \text{ kg}\) \(m_2 = 75.0 \text{ kg}\) \(r = 1.50 \text{ m}\)
Show Calculation & Substitution:
Calculated Force:
\(F_g =\) \(\text{N}\)
2. Cavendish Balance Spheres
In a laboratory torsion balance experiment, two dense lead spheres each have a mass of \(15.0 \text{ kg}\). The distance between their centers of mass is exactly \(0.25 \text{ m}\). Calculate the magnitude of the mutual gravitational pull exerted between the two spheres.
\(m_1 = 15.0 \text{ kg}\) \(m_2 = 15.0 \text{ kg}\) \(r = 0.25 \text{ m}\)
Show Calculation & Substitution:
Calculated Force:
\(F_g =\) \(\text{N}\)
3. Mars Robotic Lander
A surface exploration rover with a mass of \(850 \text{ kg}\) is stationed on Mars. Mars has a planetary mass of \(6.42 \times 10^{23} \text{ kg}\) and an average radius of \(3.39 \times 10^6 \text{ m}\) (distance to Mars's center). What is the gravitational force exerted by Mars on the rover?
\(m_1 = 6.42 \times 10^{23} \text{ kg}\) \(m_2 = 850 \text{ kg}\) \(r = 3.39 \times 10^6 \text{ m}\)
Show Calculation & Substitution:
Calculated Force:
\(F_g =\) \(\text{N}\)
Universal Gravitation Practice Worksheet Page 1 of 2 • Continue on Page 2 →
Page 2
Gravitational Force Practice (Continued)
Name:
\(G = 6.674 \times 10^{-11} \, \text{N}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2\)
4. The Earth-Moon System
Earth has a mass of \(5.97 \times 10^{24} \text{ kg}\) and the Moon has a mass of \(7.35 \times 10^{22} \text{ kg}\). The average center-to-center distance between Earth and the Moon is \(3.84 \times 10^8 \text{ m}\). Calculate the gravitational attraction holding the Moon in orbit.
\(m_1 = 5.97 \times 10^{24} \text{ kg}\) \(m_2 = 7.35 \times 10^{22} \text{ kg}\) \(r = 3.84 \times 10^8 \text{ m}\)
Show Calculation & Substitution:
Calculated Force:
\(F_g =\) \(\text{N}\)
5. Earth in Solar Orbit
The Sun has a mass of \(1.99 \times 10^{30} \text{ kg}\), while Earth has a mass of \(5.97 \times 10^{24} \text{ kg}\). The average orbital distance between the center of the Sun and the center of Earth is \(1.50 \times 10^{11} \text{ m}\). Determine the gravitational force exerted on Earth by the Sun.
\(m_1 = 1.99 \times 10^{30} \text{ kg}\) \(m_2 = 5.97 \times 10^{24} \text{ kg}\) \(r = 1.50 \times 10^{11} \text{ m}\)
Show Calculation & Substitution:
Calculated Force:
\(F_g =\) \(\text{N}\)
6. Jovian Space Probe
An uncrewed spacecraft with a mass of \(1,200 \text{ kg}\) performs an orbital flyby of Jupiter. The mass of Jupiter is \(1.90 \times 10^{27} \text{ kg}\). At closest approach, the probe is \(1.75 \times 10^8 \text{ m}\) from the center of Jupiter. Find the gravitational force acting on the probe.
\(m_1 = 1.90 \times 10^{27} \text{ kg}\) \(m_2 = 1,200 \text{ kg}\) \(r = 1.75 \times 10^8 \text{ m}\)
Show Calculation & Substitution:
Calculated Force:
\(F_g =\) \(\text{N}\)
7. Moored Supertankers
Two massive oil supertankers are moored side-by-side in calm harbor water. Supertanker A has a total loaded mass of \(2.50 \times 10^8 \text{ kg}\), while Supertanker B has a mass of \(2.00 \times 10^8 \text{ kg}\). Their centers of mass are separated by \(80.0 \text{ m}\). Calculate the gravitational attraction between the ships.
\(m_1 = 2.50 \times 10^8 \text{ kg}\) \(m_2 = 2.00 \times 10^8 \text{ kg}\) \(r = 80.0 \text{ m}\)
Show Calculation & Substitution:
Calculated Force:
\(F_g =\) \(\text{N}\)
Universal Gravitation Practice Worksheet Page 2 of 2 • End of Assignment
