Gravitational force is the force of attraction that exists between any two masses, any two bodies or any two particles. Gravity is not just the attraction between objects and the Earth. It is an attraction that exists between all objects, everywhere in the universe.

The Earth has a very large mass. The earth’s gravity pulls the object towards the centre of the Earth. The effect of this gravitational force is observed when objects in the air fall to the ground.

Like magnetism, gravity cannot be seen, but it can be felt. It is the force which keeps the planets orbiting around the Sun and stops you from floating into space.

In 1665, a scientist called Sir Isaac Newton was sitting under an apple tree when an apple fell to the ground. ‘Why did it fall?’ he thought to himself. No one had pushed or pulled it. He realized that there must be a force that pulled it towards the Earth. He called this force gravity.

When you jump on the Earth, the earth’s gravitational force pulls you back. If an object is far away from the earth, there will not be any gravitational force between the Earth and the object. The object will not fall towards the centre of the Earth. Objects on Earth have weight because of the gravitational force between them and the Earth.

WORLD WITHOUT GRAVITY
Without gravity, we cannot survive. Earth’s atmosphere would dissipate into space, making it impossible for life to survive. The oceans would also lose their tides, which would impact marine life.

It also cause the Earth’s shape to change, as the planet would no longer be able to maintain its spherical shape. Without gravity, the Earth’s orbit around the Sun would be disrupted, causing extreme temperature that would make it difficult for life to survive and if there was no longer gravity on Earth, everything would float away into space, including people, animals and objects.

WHAT IF EARTH’S GRAVITY DOUBLED?
If earth’s gravity doubled, all objects on Earth, including humans, animals and building, would experience twice the gravitational force, they do now.

This would make movement very challenging and also require more energy to perform everyday tasks. Walking, running and even standing up would be much more difficult, and we would feel much more heavier.

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