Physics Concepts: Gravity, Mass, and Normal Force

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the Earth (or any other planet or object with mass).

Front

What does gravity do?

Back

It makes things fall when you drop them, keeps us on the ground, and keeps the Earth orbiting the Sun.

Front

What is mass?

Back

Mass is the amount of matter or stuff in an object. It determines how heavy or light an object is.

Front

Does mass change depending on location?

Back

No, mass does not change no matter where the object is (on Earth, on the Moon, etc.).

Front

What does gravity depend on?

Back

Gravity depends on both the mass of an object and the distance between objects.

Front

How does mass affect gravitational pull?

Back

The more mass an object has, the stronger its gravitational pull.

Front

What is normal force?

Back

Normal force is the force that a surface exerts to support the weight of an object resting on it.

Front

In which direction does normal force act?

Back

Normal force acts in the opposite direction to gravity, preventing objects from falling through the surface.