JSS1 Third Term Basic Science Lesson Note – Calculation of Gravitational Force

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WEEK 3:

TOPIC: FORCE

TOPIC: CALCULATION OF GRAVITATIONAL FORCE

Gravitational force:

This is the force with which the earth pulls all objects towards its centre. It is also called force of gravity. The instrument used for measuring gravitational force is called spring balance.

Calculation of gravitational forces:

The unit of force is Newton (the symbol is N). The unit was named after Sir Isaac Newton who first discovered the facts about gravity. The weight of a body is the force the earth exerts on it. All forces are measured in Newton. On the earth surface the universal value of acceleration due to gravity (g) is 9.8m/s² or 10m/s²

To calculate gravitational force (Gf). The following formulae are used:

F=mg, used for calculation of gravitational force.

Example 1: Calculate the gravitational force required to pull down a mango fruit of 10kg falling with acceleration of 5m/s².

Solution: F=mg, where F is unknown, m= 10kg, a= 5m/s²

:. F= 10 x 5 = 50 N.

Example 2: A mass of 300g is acted upon by a force which produces an acceleration of 5m/s². Calculate the force.

Solution: F=mg,

Since mass is not given in kg, convert it to kg,

Mass = 300/1000= 0.3 kg

:. F= 0.3 x 5 = 1.5N

work done is defined as the product of force and the distance covered by the object.

Work done= force x distance

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