Physics+20-Dynamics-2-2

2. Explain that gravitational effects extend throughout the universe. A) Identify the gravitational force as one of the fundamental forces in nature. B) Describe, qualitatively and quantitatively, Newton’s law of universal gravitation. C) Explain, qualitatively, the principles pertinent to the Cavendish experiment used to determine the universal gravitational constant, G. D) Define the term “field” as a concept that replaces “action at a distance” and apply the concept to describe gravitational effects. E) Relate, qualitatively and quantitatively, using Newton’s law of universal gravitation, the gravitational constant to the value of the acceleration due to gravity. F) Predict, quantitatively, differences in the weight of objects on different planets.

1. Read the following PDF on Cavendish's experiment to determine the constant G. What is a constant? What would happen if G was 6.67 instead of it's 6.67E-11?



2. Read the following: After reading this statement, watch the following link.
 * "There is a gravitational force of attraction between the Earth and the moon, but is it mutual? That is, are the forces on the Earth and the moon equal? Most people would say no, the Earth exerts a greater force of attraction because it is larger and has more mass. This is a situation in which Newton's Third Law is relevant. Newton's Third Law says that for every force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force. So the force the Earth exerts on the moon must be exactly equal and opposite the force the moon exerts on the Earth. But how can that be - that the same size force keeps the moon orbiting, but barely affects the Earth? The answer is inertia - the tendency for all objects with mass to maintain their state of motion. Since the Earth has much more mass than the moon, it has greater inertia and therefore experiences much less acceleration for the same amount of force." ||

http://www.veritasium.com/2011/02/best-film-on-newtons-third-law-ever.html

Later that day your physics teacher tells you that the earth creates more force on the moon than the moon on the earth. WHat example