Scientists state that the higher something is above the earth, the greater the gravitational potential energy. Does this mean there is more gravity acting on the moon than on an apple falling from a tree? Scholars adjust the distance from the earth of both an apple and the moon in order to measure the force of gravity on each.

Concepts

gravity, newtonian mechanics, sir isaac newton, acceleration, gravitational force

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Extend the lesson by determining if mass changes the force of gravity

Classroom Considerations

• Must sign up for a free CK-12 account to access the interactive
• Assumes prior knowledge of force, distance, and interpreting graphs

Pros

• Provides intuitive controls
• Displays graphs of both results as changes are made to the variables

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.4 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4