The gravitational force between the Earth and the Moon is a result of the masses of both celestial bodies and the distance separating them. According to Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation, the force can be calculated by the formula:
F = G * (m1 * m2) / r²
Where:
- F = gravitational force between the two objects
- G = gravitational constant (approximately 6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ N(m/kg)²)
- m1 = mass of the Earth (approximately 5.97 × 10²⁴ kg)
- m2 = mass of the Moon (approximately 7.35 × 10²² kg)
- r = distance between the centers of the Earth and the Moon (approximately 3.84 × 10⁸ meters)
Plugging these values into the formula, you can calculate the gravitational force. This force is approximately 1.98 × 10²⁰ newtons. This significant force is what keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth, and it also plays a crucial role in the tides experienced on Earth. The gravitational interaction between the Earth and the Moon is essential for various natural phenomena and has been the subject of fascination for centuries.