Every few months, memes circulate claiming that certain alignments of the planets with the Earth will result in a change in the gravitational force you feel. Usually, these memes state that the alignment will counteract Earth's gravity slightly so you will feel less of a gravitational pull towards the Earth. Can this ever happen? Let's look at the numbers. What is the gravitational force (in N) of the Earth on you (ME = 5.97 ✕ 1024 kg, RE = 6380 km)? Say your mass is 68 kg. (Enter the magnitude.) What is the gravitational force (in N) of Jupiter on you when it is closest to Earth (MJ = 1.90 ✕ 1027 kg, RJE = 5.88 ✕ 108 km)? (Enter the magnitude.) By what factor would the mass of Jupiter need to increase to be equal to the gravitational force you feel from the Earth?
Gravitational force
In nature, every object is attracted by every other object. This phenomenon is called gravity. The force associated with gravity is called gravitational force. The gravitational force is the weakest force that exists in nature. The gravitational force is always attractive.
Acceleration Due to Gravity
In fundamental physics, gravity or gravitational force is the universal attractive force acting between all the matters that exist or exhibit. It is the weakest known force. Therefore no internal changes in an object occurs due to this force. On the other hand, it has control over the trajectories of bodies in the solar system and in the universe due to its vast scope and universal action. The free fall of objects on Earth and the motions of celestial bodies, according to Newton, are both determined by the same force. It was Newton who put forward that the moon is held by a strong attractive force exerted by the Earth which makes it revolve in a straight line. He was sure that this force is similar to the downward force which Earth exerts on all the objects on it.
| −GMm |
| r2 |
| (6.67 ✕ 10−11 m3/s2/kg)(ME)(68 kg) |
| (RE)2 |
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