$$F = {G \times { {m_1 \times m_2} \over d^2}}$$
Scary? Don't panic. It means that to know the amount of gravitational force between two objects you multiply the mass of the two objects together (\(m_1\) times \(m_2\)) then divide the result by the distance between them (\(d\)), and again by the distance. Finally, you multiply by a number called \(G\) which has the exact value needed to get the force right. Easy stuff. Let's play with it.
As the first object we pick an average human being, mass \(=\) 70 kg
The second object is... pick a planet!
change planet
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are scaled down 10 times
's mass is \(\) kg.
At this very moment it is at km from Earth.
The force it applies on our average human being is very small, N if you like numbers.
As a comparison, a 1 liter bottle of water pushes down against your hand with a force of about 10 N.
What moving objects on Earth pulls on us with the same gravitational force?
Click or touch any of the objects below.
The largest oil tanker in the world, fully loaded
pulls with the same force of
A typical oil tanker, fully loaded
pulls with the same force of
A carrier ship, fully loaded
pulls with the same force of
A cruise ship, fully loaded
pulls with the same force of
A train, with passengers
pulls with the same force of
An Airbus A380, with passengers and fuel
pulls with the same force of
A metro train, with passengers
pulls with the same force of
A truck, reasonably loaded
pulls with the same force of
A blue whale
pulls with the same force of
An elephant
pulls with the same force of
A rhino
pulls with the same force of
A hippo
pulls with the same force of
A crocodile
pulls with the same force of
A lion
pulls with the same force of
