Universal Gravitation

Topic Overview

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that every particle attracts every other particle with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This fundamental law explains why apples fall and why planets orbit the sun in predictable paths.

Explore the Lab

• Adjust the planet's mass to see how it alters its gravitational pull.
• Set the satellite's initial launch velocity.
• Observe the different orbital outcomes: circular, elliptical, or an escape trajectory.
• See how too little velocity will result in the satellite crashing back to the planet.