Wednesday, 20 January 2016

More on Gravitational Force

Gravitational Force vs Gravitational Potential Energy

  • Gravitational Force - A constant force regardless wherever you are on Earth. It must be with referenced to the centre of the Earth.
  • Use the term "Gravitational Force" instead of gravity. Both are the same meaning.
  • Gravitational Force exists not only to the centre of the Earth but also between two objects. (Even though this force is almost negligible, it still exists)
  • Gravitational Potential Energy - An energy that exists only if you are at a certain height.

Misconception: There is no force acting on stationary objects.

On a straight platform
  • There is gravitational force acting on the object, therefore, it doesn't move.
On a ramp with object not moving
  • There is gravitational force and frictional force acting on it. This prevents the object from rolling forward or backwards.

No comments:

Post a Comment