physics / Classical Mechanics / free
Gravitation
See how mass shapes attraction from falling objects to planetary orbits.
Follow the mechanism1 / 3
Mass creates a field. The central mass sets g = GM/r², a field that exists whether or not a satellite is there.
an inverse-square attractionF = G M m / r²
The stage uses relative units (G·M = central mass, r = separation / 10) so the force law and orbit geometry fit on one screen. g depends only on M and r; the force also scales with the satellite mass. Real orbits also depend on angular momentum and can be elliptical.
field strength2.15 u
force on satellite4.30 u
orbit speed3.44 u
The same gravitational interaction can make an apple fall or keep a satellite in orbit. An orbit is continuous free fall with enough sideways velocity.
04 / PRACTICE
0 / 3 checkedMake the idea yours.
Use the model, then answer without looking back. Each check isolates one decision a learner should be able to make after this lesson.
CHECK 1 / 3