Gravitational pull vs. acceleration due to gravity It might seem obvious

Carina Valenzuela

Carina Valenzuela

Answered question

2022-04-12

Gravitational pull vs. acceleration due to gravity
It might seem obvious but i can't imagine how is gravitational pull is different from acceleration due to gravity?

Answer & Explanation

Raiden Williamson

Raiden Williamson

Beginner2022-04-13Added 18 answers

The term "gravitational pull" is probably meant to convey force, which is related to but distinct from acceleration.
Under a common assumption of constant mass (which may be false in general, e.g. , a rocket ) , F = m a by Newton's second law , so you don't lose much except conceptual precision in very simple situations... but such conceptual difference can become rather important.
Defensorentx9

Defensorentx9

Beginner2022-04-14Added 4 answers

Typically "gravitational force" is defined as
F = G M m r 2
Dividing both sides by m we get
F m = G M r 2
F m is acceleration and a gravitational field will accelerate any "free to fall" object within that field at the acceleration of that field irrespective of the mass of the object. Gravitation is not a force but an acceleration

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