Describing Gravitational Force
Describing Gravitational Force
There is a common saying, “What goes up must come down.” In
Science, it explains that objects on Earth that rise will eventually come
down due to the pull of gravity. With the image provided, we can see a
basketball shot in the air towards the ring. When you shoot a basketball,
you exert an upward and forward force in the direction of the ring.
Another example of the effects of gravity seen in the image
of a waterfall. Water coming from the top of this magnificent view falls
due to gravity.
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Describing Gravitational Force
All things in the world are attracted towards the center of the Earth due to gravity. Gravity,
a term coined by Sir Isaac Newton, is defined as the force that pulls objects toward the ground.
According to stories, Newton saw an apple fall straight to the Earth because it attracted the apple.
Newton then hypothesized that the force of attraction of the apple must be proportional to its
mass.
Isaac Newton and an apple tree
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Describing Gravitational Force
Effects of Air Resistance on Gravity
Air resistance is an example of a force that opposes
the motion of an object as it passes through the
air.Skydivers use parachutes as they descend from the sky.
Parachutes help them to fall slowly because of air resistance
and assures to safely landing.
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Describing Gravitational Force
Meanwhile, imagine that you will let 5 kg of a solid metal ball
and a feather that weighs 2 grams fall in an area that does not have
air. Will the solid metal ball reach the ground first or the feather? In
this scenario, both materials will reach the ground at the same time
because no air resistance is acting on them.
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Describing Gravitational Force
Going against Gravity
Gravity makes acceleration
difficult.
Why is it harder to go up the stairs than going down? Or why
is it harder to ride a bicycle uphill than downhill? This is because you
are going against gravity when you go uphill. Gravity pulls you toward
the center of the Earth, and in order to move uphill, you need to
expend more force on the pedal of the bicycle. Meanwhile, if you are
moving downhill, you do not need to exert more force because the
wheels of the bicycle automatically roll as you are no longer moving
against gravity.
Gravity makes acceleration
easier.
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Describing Gravitational Force
The concept map below shows how gravitational force affects the movement of objects.
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Describing Gravitational Force
Activity
Directions: Determine whether gravitational force makes the object move faster or slower in the given
situations below. Put a check (✓) if the object moves faster or a cross (✘) if the object moves slower.
___1. A ripe mango fruit falls from the tree
___2. A group of runners are going uphill
___3. Amber’s brother accidentally drops his small toy car from the window.
___4. Children in the playground are throwing plastic balls up in the air.
___5. During heavy rains, a great amount of water from the mountains flow to
lowlands.
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Describing Gravitational Force
Answer Key
___1.
✓ A ripe mango fruit falls from the tree
___2.
✘ A group of runners are going uphill
___3.
✓ Amber’s brother accidentally drops his small toy car from the window.
___4.
✘ Children in the playground are throwing plastic balls up in the air.
___5.
During heavy rains, a great amount of water from the mountains flow to
✓
lowlands.
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