# How does Newton's second law relate to the force of gravity?

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82
Mar 4, 2016

Newton's second law is $F = m a$, gravity accelerates objects.

#### Explanation:

Gravity exerts a force on things: 1). without mass because gravitational fields (in particular, strong gravitational fields) change the shape of space-time (e.g.. gravity bends light) and 2). with mass because of the gravitational field. Newtons second law can be expressed by the following equation: $F = m a$. In objects with mass a net external force is applied to the object by the gravity of other objects. The effect of this acceleration could be a comet in space changing direction when it moves past a planet.

On Earth, apples only fall because of the force of gravity. Newtons first law explains that if there was no net external force acting on the apple it would have no acceleration therefore it is the force of gravity that makes the apple fall.

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SCooke Share
Nov 18, 2015

Gravity is the force between masses. F=ma, so the acceleration of a mass due to gravity will be different on different masses (planets).

#### Explanation:

The acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

Without needing to know exactly how gravity exists we know that it is a FORCE proportional to an object's mass, whether a star, a planet, a moon or a pencil. It is this proportionality that makes things seem "lighter" on the moon, and "heavier" on Jupiter.

The inherent mass of an object doesn't change, but the acceleration felt due to gravity (weight) is dependent on the mass of the attracting body. This 'felt-force' is mutual. The sun is 'attracted' to the earth gravitationally just as the earth feels a gravitational force from the sun.

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