gravitational forces

Mass attracts mass

Gravitational forces are the attractive pulls that exist between any objects with mass, drawing them toward one another.

This fundamental force governs the motion of planets around stars, keeps moons in orbit, and holds galaxies together.

On Earth, gravitational force is what gives objects weight and causes things to fall when dropped.

The gravitational forces between the Earth and Moon create ocean tides.

The strength of gravitational force increases with mass and decreases with distance.

Related

drop · mass · center of mass · spacetime · orbital mechanics · g-force · physics · barycenter · inverse square law · attraction · tidal forces · relativity · apogee · cosmic dance · perihelion · Einstein · slingshot · event horizon

Opposites
fundamental force type

gravitational forceselectromagnetism

Force linking charge and magnetism

strong nuclear force · nuclear forces · electromagnetic radiation · electric force · magnetic force

attractive vs repulsive

gravitational forcesantigravity

Force opposing downward pull

anti-gravity · repulsion · dark energy · centrifugal force · negative pressure

cosmic scale vs. local/negligible

gravitational forceschemical bonds

Forces uniting atoms

surface tension

Family

grave, gravity, aggravate, engrave, gravitate, gravitation, gravitating, gravitated, antigravity

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Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G