Gravity

Gravity is one of the most important forces influencing how we interact with the world. Although we rarely think about it in our everyday lives, every system and organ inside the human body depends on it.

Gravity is one of the fundamental forces of the universe. Every element in the universe has a particular mass and exerts a gravitational force on other surrounding objects. The gravitational force depends on mass:

• The higher the mass, the higher the gravitational force exerted.

Role of Gravity in the Universe

• Gravity keeps all the planets in the solar system in orbit around the Sun.

• The Moon orbits the Earth because of gravity.

• Any physical body with mass is attracted toward the center of the Earth by gravitational force.

In 1687, Sir Isaac Newton observed an apple falling from a tree and wondered why it went down instead of up, left, or right. He realized there was a force acting on the apple and called it gravity.

Newton's law of universal gravitation was the theory proposed by Sir Isaac Newton.

Importance of Gravity for Life on Earth

• The Sun's gravitational pull on the Earth keeps the atmosphere in place.

• Gravity ensures air is provided for survival.

• It helps us enjoy the warmth and light of the Sun safely.

Examples of Gravity

1. The gases present in the Sun are held together by gravitational force.

2. Water in a glass is kept in place by gravity; without it, water would hover at the top.

3. Tides in the ocean are caused by the force of attraction between the Earth and the Moon.

4. The Moon revolves around the Earth due to gravity.

5. The effect of gravity on all objects is the same:

   • If you drop a glass and a chicken feather, both fall at the same speed.

Additional Facts

• Gravity is considered to be the weakest force in nature.

• The effect gravity has on an object purely depends on the mass of the object.