INSTRUCTIONS: Open up the Gravity simulation on the PhET website.

1. Get familiar with the simulation by moving the figures back and forth as well as
changing the mass of the spheres.

2. Identify the different variables that can be found in this simulation.

DV Amount of neutrons
IV Mass
IV Distance

3. What do you think the size of the arrows on top of each sphere represent?
Amount of force on gravity

4. Pick a variable to test. Summarize what you tested and the outcome in the table
below:
Test (Independent) Variable Outcome (Dependent)
Variable
Mass The higher the mass the more
force it has.

5. Change a different variable and summarize what happens in the table below:
Test (Independent) Variable Outcome (Dependent) Variable
Distance The closer the distance the more
force it has.

6. Can the amount of gravitational force between two objects be changed? If so, how?
Yes As two objects are separated from each other, the force of gravitational
attraction between them also decreases.

7. What is the relationship between mass and gravity? Is this relationship inverse (one
increases, one decreases) or direct (if one increases, the other increases)?
 As the mass of either object increases, the force of gravitational attraction
between them also increases.

8. What is the relationship between distance and gravity? Is this relationship inverse
or direct?
The relationship between distance and gravity is inversely proportional.

9. Summarize: Determine whether each statement about gravity is true or false.

False The force of gravity increases as objects move closer together.
True The force of gravity increases as an object’s mass increases.
True If two objects have different masses, the more massive object pulls with a
greater force.

Apply:
The earth’s gravity is pulling on you. Are you pulling on the earth? Explain your reasoning.
Yes because your mass is many times smaller than the Earth's mass, your pull is much
less than the Earth's.