Gravitational field

Need to know

What you need to know

• $G$ is the universal gravitational constant, $6.67 \times 10^{-11} \text{ N m}^2 \text{ kg}^{-2}$.
• The force decreases rapidly with distance (inverse square law).
• This law applies to point masses or uniform spheres where $r$ is the distance between centres.

Explanation

Gravitational field

1. $G$ is the universal gravitational constant, $6.67 \times 10^{-11} \text{ N m}^2 \text{ kg}^{-2}$.
2. The force decreases rapidly with distance (inverse square law).
3. This law applies to point masses or uniform spheres where $r$ is the distance between centres.