Discovering Gravity: Understanding the Equation mv^2/r=GmM/r^2"

  • Thread starter hawaiidude
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In summary, the equation mv^2/r=GmM/r^2 represents the relationship between velocity and distance in circular motion, derived from Newton's law of universal gravitation. It is significant in calculating the velocity of objects in circular orbit and understanding gravity in the universe. However, it is only applicable in situations involving circular motion and gravity, and can be modified for different scenarios by changing the values of variables and constants.
  • #1
hawaiidude
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like in the equation mv^2/r=GmM/r^2 how do we find gravity? so Earth has a gravity of 1? g=f/m? like that?
 
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  • #2
http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/gravity2.htm
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try this site.
 
  • #3
You should have stayed with the other thread, we were explaining it there. You are missing the concept: An individual object doesn't have "gravity" in the Newtonian sense, just like it doesn't have "weight." As the equation says, gravity is a force between two objects.

Wolram's link is good, the first thing you need to concentrate on, understand, and accept is that first sentence.
 

1. What does the equation mv^2/r=GmM/r^2 represent?

The equation mv^2/r=GmM/r^2 represents the relationship between the velocity (v) and the distance (r) of an object in circular motion, with the gravitational constant (G) and the masses of the two objects (m and M).

2. How is this equation derived?

This equation is derived from Newton's law of universal gravitation, which states that the force of gravity between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. By setting this force equal to the centripetal force (mv^2/r) in circular motion, the equation is derived.

3. What is the significance of this equation?

This equation is significant because it allows us to calculate the velocity of an object in circular orbit around another object, based on their masses and the distance between them. It is also useful in understanding the relationship between gravity and circular motion in the universe.

4. Is this equation applicable in all situations?

No, this equation is only applicable in situations where circular motion and gravitational forces are involved. It does not apply to other types of motion or interactions between objects.

5. Can this equation be simplified or modified for different scenarios?

Yes, this equation can be modified for different scenarios by changing the values of the variables and constants involved. For example, it can be modified for elliptical orbits or for objects with non-uniform mass distributions.

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