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Classical Mechanics

Gravity

The universal attractive force between masses, causing mutual acceleration proportional to mass and inversely proportional to squared distance.

Governing formula Fg = G m1 m2 / r²
SI unit N

In depth

Near Earth's surface, gravity imparts a standard free-fall acceleration g ≈ 9.81 m/s². In General Relativity, gravity is interpreted as spacetime curvature caused by mass-energy.

Examples in the real world

Earth's gravity keeping the Moon in orbit and holding the atmosphere down.