IS THE FORCE OF GRAVITY THE SAME FOR EVERYTHING?

The word GRAVITY is used to mean different things. This article will introduce the force of gravity.

FACTS:

The force of gravity pulls an object toward the center of the Earth. In other words, gravity pulls objects in a vertical direction.

In the diagram, the red arrow shows that the force of gravity acting on the key is in a direction toward the center of the Earth (represented by the small circle).

What Do You Think?

Look at the picture of the three elephants and the man.  Answer the following question:

Is the force of gravity pulling each elephant and the man downward the same?

Read the facts below to determine if your answer is correct.

Facts:

1. Weight is a measure of  force of gravity.

2. The weight of elephant #1 is a measure of the force of gravity pulling the elephant towards the center of the Earth.

3. The diagram shows the weight of elephant #1 as 1 ton, which is equal to 2,000 pounds.

4. The force of gravity acting on elephant #1 is 1 ton (2,000 pounds).

Answer

Think about This!

1. Does the man and the two largest elephants weight the same as the smallest elephant, #1?

2. In order from greatest to least weight: Elephants ( #3, #2, and #1), and then the man.

The force of gravity pulling each elephant and the man down is different.

The force of gravity IS NOT THE SAME FOR EVERY OBJECT.