Gravity is More Than a Gravity is More Than a NameName

The Funnier SideThe Funnier Side

GravityGravity

gravity - it is the thing which causes objects to fall to Earth.

GravityGravity

gravity is a force which exists between the Earth and the objects which are near it.

QuestionQuestion

Are you experiencing a force due to gravity right now?

Follow UpFollow Up

Where could you go to “get away” from gravity?

More QuestionsMore Questions

How and by whom was gravity discovered?

What variables affect the actual value of the force of gravity?

How far-reaching is gravity's influence?

How does gravity affect objects which are far beyond the surface of the Earth?

How can a projectile orbit the Earth?

Doesn't a projectile accelerate towards the Earth under the influence of gravity?

And as such, wouldn't any projectile ultimately fall towards the Earth and ultimately collide with the Earth ?

Free Falling ObjectsFree Falling Objects

Free-falling objects do not encounter air resistance.

All free-falling objects (on Earth) accelerate downwards at a rate of approximately 10 m/s/s

Velocity of an Object in Free Velocity of an Object in Free FallFall

                        

How Far an Object FallsHow Far an Object Falls

What is Weightless?What is Weightless?

Would an elephant an a feather hit the ground at the same time?

Ok Mr Lovering, but what would really happen?

Astronauts on the orbiting Astronauts on the orbiting space shuttle are space shuttle are

weightlessweightless because... because...a. there is no gravity in space and they do

not weigh anything. b. space is a vacuum and there is no gravity

in a vacuum. c. space is a vacuum and there is no air

resistance in a vacuum. d. the astronauts are far from earth's

surface at a location where gravitation has a minimal effect.

The Big MisconceptionThe Big Misconception

"Doesn't a massive object accelerate at a greater rate than a less massive object?".

Falling and Satellite MotionFalling and Satellite Motion

What does falling have to do with keeping a

satellite in orbit?

Satellite Motion Satellite Motion

What if there where no gravity?

Falling into the EarthFalling into the Earth

A satellite does fall towards the Earth; only it never falls into the Earth.

The Round EarthThe Round Earth

Less than 8000 m/sLess than 8000 m/s

                                          

Equal to 8000 m/sEqual to 8000 m/s

                                          

Greater than 8000 m/sGreater than 8000 m/s

                                          

Geosynchronous OrbitGeosynchronous Orbit

Perfect for communication satellites

                

                

Polar OrbitPolar Orbit

provide true global coverage

                                

How Long Do Satellites How Long Do Satellites Live?Live?

At 300 km altitude it may last for 20-50 days before it reenters and burns up. At 180 km, this lifetime reduces to mere hours.