Quarter 2 Week 2 Activity 5: Universal Law of Gravitation

Quarter 2 Week 2 Activity 5: Universal Law of Gravitation
Name: _______________________________________________ Grade 12 STEM Sec. _______________
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

Isaac Newton compared the acceleration of the moon to the acceleration of objects on
earth. Believing that gravitational forces were responsible for each, Newton was able to draw an
important conclusion about the dependence of gravity upon distance. This comparison led him to
conclude that the force of gravitational attraction between the Earth and other objects is
inversely proportional to the distance separating the earth's center from the object's center. But
distance is not the only variable affecting the magnitude of a gravitational force. Newton knew
that the force that caused the apple's acceleration (gravity) must be dependent upon the mass of
the apple. And since the force acting to cause the apple's downward acceleration also causes the
earth's upward acceleration (Newton's third law), that force must also depend upon the mass of
the earth. So for Newton, the force of gravity acting between the earth and any other object is
directly proportional to the mass of the earth, directly proportional to the mass of the object,
and inversely proportional to the square of the distance that separates the centers of the earth
and the object. Mathematically, Newton’s Law of Gravity is stated below
-11 2 2
FGrav = G _m1m2_ where: G – equation Constant = 6.67 X 10 N m / kg
2
r m1 – mass of the first object (kg)
m2 – mass of the second object (kg)
r – radius or the distance between the two objects
The equation for Universal Law of Gravitation could be used for Satellite motion. Replace
24
the mass of the first object with the mass of the Earth equal to 5.98 X 10 kg. The second mass
will be the mass of the satellite. The radius of the earth center and the satellite center could be
6
determine by adding the radius of the Earth equal to 6.38 X 10 m and the height of the satellite
from Earth’s surface.
Example 1
How much Force exists between a 3 000 kg satellite and Earth if the Satellite is 300 km
away from earth’s surface?
Given Eq.
-11 2 2
G = 6.67 X 10 N m / kg FGrav = G _mEmS_
24 2
m E = 5.98 X 10 kg r
m S = 3 000 kg
6 6 6
r = 300 km = 300 000 m or 0.3 X 10 m + 6.38 X 10 m = 6.68 X 10 m
- 11 2 2 24 3
FGrav = __6.67 X 10 N m / kg (5.98 X 10 kg)(3.0 X 10 kg)__
6 2
(6.68 X 10 m)
Note: Computations for Universal Law of Gravitation could be a lot easier using Scientific
Notations. In multiplying, multiply the first factors then add the exponents of the power
of 10. In dividing, divide the first factor and subtract the exponents of the power of 10.
16 4
FGrav = __119.66 X 10 N F = 2.68 X 10 N or 26 800 N
12
44.62 X 10
We could compare the answer using equation for Weight (W = mg) or the pull of gravity.
2
W = 3 000 kg(9.8 m/s ) = 29 400 N
Notice the discrepancy between the two results. This is due to the distance between the
Earth and satellite. Acceleration due to gravity quickly exponentially as the distance increases,
The equation for g could be derived from the same equation for Universal Law of Gravitation.
FGrav = G _mEm_ or mg = G _mEm_ g = G _mE_
2 2 2
d d r
Example 2
What is the acceleration due to gravity acting on the satellite at the height of 300 km?
Given Eq
-11 2 2
G = 6.67 X 10 N m / kg g = G _mE_
24 2
m E = 5.98 X 10 kg r
6 6 6
d = 300 km = 300 000 m or 0.3 X 10 m + 6.38 X 10 m = 6.68 X 10 m
- 11 2 2 24 2
g = __6.67 X 10 N m / kg (5.98 X 10 kg) g = 0.89 X 10 m/s
6 2
(6.68 X 10 m)
13 2 2
g = __39.89 X 10 m/s __ g = 8.9 m/s
12
44.62 X 10
This slightly lower acceleration due to gravity caused by the distance between the
Satellite and Earth indicates that the objects inside have less weights.
Satellites move along a circular path around the Earth.
We could determine the velocity of the satellite to maintain its
motion using two equations. First is the equation for Newton’s
Law of Motion and the equation for acceleration of objects
moving along a circular path.
2
F = ma and a = _v2_ FGrav = _mSv _
r r
2
G _mEmS = mSv (Mass of Satellite is cancelled leaving only the mass of Earth)
r r
v= _G mE_
r
Example 3
What is the velocity of the satellite at the height of 300 km?
Given Eq
-11 2 2
G = 6.67 X 10 N m / kg v = _G mE__
24
m E = 5.98 X 10 kg r
6 6 6
r = 300 km = 300 000 m or 0.3 X 10 m + 6.38 X 10 m = 6.68 X 10 m
-11 2 2 24 2 2 7 2 2
v= _6.67 X 10 N m / kg (5.98 X 10 kg)_ v= 5.97 m /s X 10 m / s
6
6.68 X 10 m
13 2
v= __39.89 X 10 m/s __ v = 7,726.57 m/s
6
6.68 X 10 m
This velocity of the satellite is almost 28 000 kph. The air friction in the atmosphere is
more than enough to burn the satellite to crisp. The common speed for satellite is 11 000 kph. To
do this, satellites are launched to higher altitudes to greatly reduce velocity needed to maintain
the satellite on its orbit.
WORD PROBLEM
1-5. How much Force exists between a 2 000 kg satellite and Earth if the Satellite is 1 000 km
away from earth’s surface?
6-10. What is the acceleration due to gravity acting on the satellite at the height of 1 000 km?
11 – 15. What is the velocity of the satellite at the height of 1 000 km?

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Quarter 2 Week 2 Activity 5: Universal Law of Gravitation

Name: _________________________________ Grade 12 STEM Sec. _

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

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