What is the significance of gravitational units in understanding momentum?

In summary, gravitational units refer to the expression of force in terms of the force due to gravity on Earth. This is commonly measured in "G's", where 1G = 9.8m/s^2. The formula for calculating force using G's is F = m(#G's)g. However, there are other systems, such as the gravitational metric system, that are outdated.
  • #1
Rakinniya
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What are gravitational units??

My teacher recently taught us about gravitational units... she said that its the absolute unit multiplied by acceleration due to gravity... I did not understand the significance of this...Please help me
 
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  • #2


I have never heard of "gravitational units", but based on your second phrase, "… she said that its the absolute unit multiplied by acceleration due to gravity…", I would guess that she is referring to what is commonly called "G's"; as in , " The astronauts experienced 4 G's during their blastoff."
Assuming this is what she meant, then this is an expression of force in terms of the force due to gravity at sea level on earth.
If you stand on Earth at sea level, the force on you is F=mg where g is the acceleration due to gravity at sea level on earth(i.e. 9.8 m/s^2).
If you next were to stand on another planets surface where you felt two times the force of gravity you felt on Earth then the equation could look like
F=2mg=m2g
so that you weigh twice what you did on earth, hence you feel 2"G's".
So the general rule is when you are given the number of "G's" you multiply that times the acceleration g(9.8m/s^2) to find the force.
F=m(#G's)g.
Hope this helps.
(note:The G used here is NOT the gravitational constant)
 
  • #3


tnx that was quite helpful... but em not sure if she meant the same thing... ..I can't find nything in my textbook .today...she asked us. "what is the gravitational unit of momentum?"...Theres an article on ...Gravitational metric system in wikipedia... Looks like its an outdated one...anyway thanks!
 

FAQ: What is the significance of gravitational units in understanding momentum?

What is the definition of gravitational units?

Gravitational units are units of measurement used to quantify the force of gravity between objects. They are used to express the strength of gravitational attraction between two objects and are based on the universal law of gravitation proposed by Sir Isaac Newton.

How are gravitational units related to mass?

Gravitational units are directly related to the mass of an object. The greater the mass of an object, the stronger its gravitational force and the higher the gravitational units will be.

What is the standard unit of gravitational units?

The standard unit of gravitational units is the Newton (N). This unit is used to measure the force of gravity between two objects with a mass of 1 kilogram each, separated by a distance of 1 meter.

How are gravitational units measured?

Gravitational units are measured using a variety of methods, including the use of a spring scale, a balance scale, or by using mathematical equations such as Newton's law of gravitation. These methods allow us to determine the amount of gravitational force between two objects.

How do gravitational units differ from other units of measurement?

Gravitational units are unique in that they are not based on physical properties such as length, mass, or time, but rather on the force of gravity between objects. This makes them different from other units of measurement and allows us to understand the effects of gravity on objects in our universe.

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