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Gravitation

Definition

Gravitation is the force of attraction between two objects with mass. It is responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the sun and objects on Earth's surface.

Analogy

Think of gravitation as a magnet pulling objects towards each other. Just like how magnets attract metal objects, gravity attracts all objects with mass.

Related terms

Universal Law of Gravitation: A law formulated by Isaac Newton that states every particle attracts every other particle with a force directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of their distance apart.

Weightlessness: A condition experienced when there is no apparent gravitational force acting on an object or person.

Escape Velocity: The minimum velocity required for an object to escape from the gravitational pull of another celestial body.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.