Newtonian gravitation
An inverse-square force models attraction between point masses.
Key knowledge
In Newtonian gravity, two point masses attract along their separation with force magnitude F = Gm₁m₂/r². The same exterior relation applies to non-overlapping spherically symmetric mass distributions.
Values and equations
F = Gm₁m₂/r²
- F
- Attractive force magnitude N
- G
- Newtonian gravitational constant m³ kg⁻¹ s⁻²
- m₁
- First mass kg
- m₂
- Second mass kg
- r
- Separation m
Conditions and scope
- r is the separation of the point masses or spherical centers and is positive.
- This is a Newtonian model; strong gravitational fields or relativistic precision require additional treatment.
Sources · 3
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
- University Physics, volume 1: Newton's Law of Universal GravitationSamuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs / OpenStax, Rice UniversityTextbook chapter
- Newton's Law of GravitationNASA E/PO Group at Sonoma State UniversityTeaching resource
- Gravitation · Physics (2026–27 reprint)National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)Textbook chapter · PDF
Evidence and review
OpenStax 13.1, equation 13.1 and point/spherical scope; NASA inverse-square relation.
2026-10-10 · Force law and geometry only; no measured numerical G or uncertainty is supplied.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Fresh primary-source inspection of the complete compact record, including every statement, equation, quantity and material condition, followed by independent AI editorial review. This check does not certify all linked lessons or every passage of every cited publication.
Sources from other places
Agreement within this scope
Newtonian point masses attract with inverse-square separation; exterior spherical distributions act as central point masses.
The spherical reduction does not extend to arbitrary nonspherical bodies or strong-field relativistic motion.
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
- Gravitation · Physics (2026–27 reprint) IndiaEnglish
7.3 Universal law; Summary9 and Points to ponder8, pp140–141
- Gravitation · Physics (2026–27 reprint)
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- physics-newtonian-gravitation
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- Essential core · first collection · University core expansion