9702 · 13.2
Gravitational force between point masses — FAQ
Frequently asked questions for 9702 Gravitational force between point masses. Direct answers first, then deeper explanation — then practise with marking.
Why is 'G' such a small value and what does it mean for gravity?
The extremely small value of 'G' (universal gravitational constant) means that gravitational forces are only significant and easily observable when at least one of the interacting masses is astronomically large, like planets or stars. For everyday objects, the gravitational force is usually negligible.
Can gravitational force ever be repulsive, pushing objects apart?
No, gravitational forces are exclusively attractive. They always pull masses together and never exhibit repulsive behaviour. This is a fundamental characteristic of gravity.
What does 'inverse square law' mean in the context of gravitational force?
An inverse square law means the gravitational force decreases very rapidly as the distance between two masses increases. Specifically, if you double the distance, the force becomes four times weaker ($1/2^2 = 1/4$). If you triple the distance, it becomes nine times weaker ($1/3^2 = 1/9$).