1. Notes Science Tennessee SPI Objective:
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Notes
Science
Tennessee SPI Objective:
Determine the relationship among the mass of objects, the distance between these objects, and the amount of
gravitational attraction.
Instructions
1) First click on "View" from the top-menu bar.
2) Then click on "Slide Show" from the drop-down menu.
3) Then use the right-arrow button on your keyboard to advance through this presentation.
Check for Understanding
Identify factors that influence the amount of
gravitational force between objects
Essential Question(s)
What is gravity? What is mass? How does mass and
distance affect gravitational pull?

2. Gravity-Mass and Distance
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Science
Notes
Gravity
is a “mysterious” force found everywhere in the universe that pulls particles of matter together
Key Concept: Gravity is a pulling force (not a pushing force)
Law of Universal Gravitation
F.Y.I -Isaac Newton is credited with defining this law
The law states that gravity is everywhere in our universe, and that its attractive force changes based on mass and distance.
Summary: Every particle of matter is attracted to every other particle of matter.

3. Mass Affects Gravity
Objects with more mass have stronger gravity
Look below: (bowling ball and a baseball) both objects are made of matter, so both objects have gravity.
So both objects are being pulled towards each other.
Yet the ball with more mass (bowling ball) has more gravity.
Therefore its pull is stronger (view animation)
Diagram 01

4. Mass Affects Gravity
The example of a bowling ball and a baseball is similar to the gravity effect with a planet and a moon
Diagram 01
Earth and the Moon

5. Gravity-Mass and Distance
Notes
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Science
Mass Affects Gravity
Look below: (baseball and a golf ball) both objects are made of matter, so both objects have gravity.
So both objects are being pulled towards each other.
Yet the ball with more mass (baseball) has more gravity.
Therefore its pull is stronger (view animation)
This is similar to the gravity effect with a moon and a asteroid
Diagram 02

6. Notes Science Gravity-Mass and Distance Distances Affects Gravity
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Notes
Science
Distances Affects Gravity
Effect of gravity increases when objects are closer together.
Effect of gravity decreases when objects are farther apart.
In diagram 01 the two soccer balls are 5m apart.
In diagram 02 the two soccer balls are 10m apart.
Gravitation attraction is greatest when they are closer together.
Diagram 01
5 meters
Diagram 02
10 meters

7. Gravity-Mass and Distance
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Notes
Science
Gravity and the Theory of Relativity
Albert Einstein theorized that mass warps/bends/curves space and this warping explains the force we call gravity
Watch both of these Youtube videos:
Write down three things that catch your attention, and be ready to share afterwards.
Link: Curvature of Space-Time (34 sec)
Link: How Gravity Really Works (1 min 45 sec)

8. Gravity-Mass and Distance
Quick Review
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Science
1) What is the name of the law about gravity? The law of…
A) …Conservation of Mass or B) …Universal Gravitation
(2) All matter in the universe attracts other matter by?
A) A “pushing force” or B) A “pulling force”
(3) The strength of gravity depends on the ______ of the objects
A) Masses or B) Shape
4) Effect of gravity depends on the _____ between the objects.
A) Energy or B) Distance
5) What did Einstein say about mass and gravity?
A) That mass warps space or B) Mass and gravity are the same

9. Gravity-Mass and Distance
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on a quiz or test.

10. Gravity-Mass and Distance
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on a quiz or test.

11. Gravity-Mass and Distance
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on a quiz or test.

12. Gravity-Mass and Distance
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on a quiz or test.

13. Gravity-Mass and Distance
SPI
Gravity-Mass and Distance
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on a quiz or test.