Gravitational Acceleration Calculator for Kids Video

Gravitational Acceleration Formula:

\[ g = \frac{GM}{r^2} \]

Gravitational Acceleration (m/s²):

1. What is Gravitational Acceleration?

Definition: Gravitational acceleration is the acceleration of an object caused by the force of gravity from another object, like a planet or star.

Fun Fact: On Earth, this is what makes things fall at 9.8 m/s²!

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ g = \frac{GM}{r^2} \]

Where:

\( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
\( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²)
\( M \) — Mass of the body (kg)
\( r \) — Distance from center (m)

Explanation: Bigger masses create stronger gravity, but gravity gets weaker the farther you are from the center.

3. Why is This Important?

Details: Understanding gravity helps explain why planets orbit stars, why we stay on Earth, and how spacecraft navigate space!

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass of the planet/star in kilograms and the radius/distance in meters. Try Earth's mass (5.97 × 10²⁴ kg) and radius (6.371 × 10⁶ m)!

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is G such a small number?
A: Gravity is actually very weak compared to other forces! It only seems strong because Earth is so massive.

Q2: What's Earth's gravitational acceleration?
A: About 9.8 m/s² at the surface. Try calculating it with Earth's mass and radius!

Q3: Why does gravity get weaker with distance?
A: Because of the inverse-square law - gravity spreads out as you get farther away.

Q4: How do astronauts float if gravity exists in space?
A: They're actually falling toward Earth but moving sideways so fast they keep missing it - this is called orbit!

Q5: Can gravity be 0?
A: Only if you're infinitely far away from all mass, which is impossible in our universe!