Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Measuring the Gravitational Constant, G
A demonstration/lab idea for determining the numerical value of the universal gravitation constant using a torsion balance.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Earth Orbits
An equation for the law of universal gravitation is stated. The weight equation (W=m*g) is related to the law. An interactive JavaScript form allows the user to practice determining the force of gravity and the acceleration of gravity...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: The Apple, the Moon, and the Inverse Square Law
Describes the logic behind the development of Newton's law of universal gravitation. Beginning with Johannes Kepler and his three laws of planetary motion, content walks the reader through Newton's thought process and development of this...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Gravity Force Lab
An interactive simulation that teaches about gravitational force, Newton's Third Law, and force pairs by varying properties affect the gravitational force exerted between two objects. This simulation can either be downloaded or played...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Potential Energy
This site from Georgia State University Physics Department defines and explains the concept of potential energy. Using equations and graphics to illustrate the idea, it discusses the many types of potential energy (gravitational,...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Gravity and Orbits
An interactive simulation that teaches about gravitational force, circular motion, and astronomy by manipulating the sun, earth, moon, and a space station to observe the effects of gravity and orbital paths. This simulation can either be...
Other
University of Leicester: Comets
A detailed look at comets. Content outlines our observational history, as well as the origins of comets and an explanation of the appearance of comets.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics: Gravitation Study Guide
This study guide on gravitation covers some key vocabulary, Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion, and orbiting bodies or satellites. Includes important equations. It is available for download with free registration.
Florida State University
Florida State University: Science, Optics & You: Sir Isaac Newton
Biography of Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), a scientist whose impact is felt in many disciplines today. His laws of motion are integral to basic physics, and he co-invented calculus.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Universal Gravity Problem
Students must find out the strength of the gravitational force between two spherical objects based on the size, density and distance between centers.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Conservation of Energy
This site is from the Physics Department at Georgia State University. The conservation of energy as a fundamental conservation law is presented and compared to other conservation laws (momentum and angular momentum). Links to further...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Energy of Falling Object
This site is from the Physics Department at Georgia State University. The reliance upon the law of conservation of energy as an approach to problem-solving is presented and encouraged. It is modeled through a problem involving a...
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota: Mechanics Problems: Force Problems
This University of Minnesota site provides a series of contextually rich, real-world problems demonstrating force and Newton's second law of motion.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Orbits and Gravitation
A page describing the physics, mathematics, and historical figures associated with planetary motion, satellite motion, and universal gravitation.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Newton's Law of Gravity
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Newton's law of universal gravitation and factors that affect the strength of gravity between two objects.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Elastic Potential Energy
This site from Georgia State University Physics Department defines elastic potential energy and explains its origin. Provides an equation for computing elastic potential energy and an opportunity to practice solving problems with an...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Gravity Force Lab
Manipulate the mass and distance of two objects to see how these properties change the gravity force.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Masses & Springs
Hang various mass weights on spring scales while you adjust the spring stiffness and damping in this online activity. Slow down the action, take it to another planet, or watch the amount of potential, thermal, and kinetic energy.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Energy Skate Park
Explore kinetic, potential, and thermal energy as you send a skateboarder along several pre-built tracks, then design your own. Charts and graphs show the distribution of the different forms of energy, illustrating how the total energy...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Gravitational Fields
Students discover the Law of Universal Gravitation by changing the masses of planets and moons and the distance that separates them.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: The Inverse Square Law
Through illustrated examples and interactive practice, students explore Newton's ability to relate the cause for heavenly motion (the orbit of the moon about the earth) to the cause for Earthly motion (the falling of an apple to the...
Libre Text
Libre Text: Pressure Gradients
From high school geography class, you may remember that "air tends to flow from high pressure to low pressure". To understand why this happens, it is key to realizing that gasses (but also liquids) exert a force on their surroundings...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Gravity
Gravity as a fundamental force is explained and an equation for universal gravitation is given.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Circular Orbit
The necessity of gravitation to a circular orbit is discussed and equations for the orbital speed are derived from the law of universal gravitation. Binary systems in which two objects orbit about a center of mass are explained and...