Understanding the Formula
The gravitational force between two objects is calculated using Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation:
F = (G * m₁ * m₂) / r²
Where:
* F is the gravitational force (in Newtons, N)
* G is the gravitational constant (approximately 6.674 x 10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg²)
* m₁ and m₂ are the masses of the two objects (in kilograms, kg)
* r is the distance between the centers of the two objects (in meters, m)
Applying the Formula
1. Identify the values:
* m₁ = 75 kg
* m₂ = 54 kg
* r = 0.45 m
2. Plug the values into the formula:
F = (6.674 x 10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg² * 75 kg * 54 kg) / (0.45 m)²
3. Calculate the result:
F ≈ 1.51 x 10⁻⁷ N
The gravitational force between the two students is approximately 1.51 x 10⁻⁷ Newtons. This is a very small force, which is why we don't usually notice the gravitational attraction between everyday objects.
