GRASPING GRAVITY
- Abstract:
This investigation uses the Law of Universal Gravitation to compare one’s weight on a variety of different bodies in our solar system. A focus on NASA’s NEAR project (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) will correlate the differences in mass and gravity with the planets and the asteroids Eros and Mathilde. http://near.jhuapl.edu/
Outcomes:
- analyze the difference in weight on bodies of the solar system using The Law of Universal Gravitation
- understand the difference between mass and weight
- identify the correlation between mass and gravity
- understand the use of ratios in comparison data
- understand the concept of escape velocity
- Suggested Grade Level and Duration:
Grades 9-12; 1-2 fifty minute periods
Materials:
- computer access (web access helpful)
- calculator
- pen/pencil
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- Background - Procedure - Standards - Credits