Universal Gravitation Simulator

Newton's Law states that the gravitational force between two objects depends on their masses and the distance between them. Adjust the controls below to see how changing these variables affects the orbit.
F = G × (m₁ × m₂) ÷ r²
Weak Gravity Strong Gravity
Sun Mass (m₁): 5000 units Earth Mass (m₂): 10 units Distance (r): 120 units Orbital Velocity: 0 u/s Gravitational Force: 0 N Orbit Period: 0 s

Mass Controls

Sun Mass i
5000
Effect on Gravity:
×1.0
Earth Mass i
10
Effect on Gravity:
×1.0
Physics Insight: Doubling either mass doubles the gravitational force (F ∝ m₁ × m₂)

Orbit Controls

Orbital Distance i
120
Effect on Gravity:
×1.0
Time Scale
1.0x

How Mass & Distance Affect Gravity

  • Mass Increase: More mass = Stronger gravity = Faster orbit
  • Mass Decrease: Less mass = Weaker gravity = Slower orbit
  • Distance Increase: Further apart = Much weaker gravity = Slower orbit
  • Distance Decrease: Closer together = Much stronger gravity = Faster orbit
Key Formula: v = √(G × M ÷ r) — Orbital speed depends on central mass and distance
Use sliders to change mass and distance | Watch how gravity and orbit change in real-time