Gravity and gravitation are related concepts, but they refer to different aspects of the force that governs the motion of objects. Here are five differences between gravity and gravitation:
Definition:
Gravity: Gravity refers to the force of attraction that exists between any two masses, any two bodies, any two particles. It is the force that gives weight to physical objects and is responsible for phenomena like falling, tides, and the orbits of celestial bodies.
Gravitation: Gravitation is the fundamental force of attraction that exists between any two masses in the universe. It is described by Newton’s law of gravitation and is responsible for the motion of planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.
Source of the Force:
Gravity: The term “gravity” is often used to describe the force of attraction experienced near the Earth’s surface due to its mass.
Gravitation: Gravitation is a universal force that exists between all objects with mass, not just limited to the Earth. It is a fundamental force acting between any two masses in the universe.
Expression in Equations:
Gravity: In everyday contexts, gravity is often expressed using the acceleration due to gravity (g) near the Earth’s surface, which is approximately 9.8 m/s².
Gravitation: Gravitation is mathematically described by Newton’s law of gravitation, which states that the force of gravity is proportional to the product of the masses of two objects and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.
Scope:
Gravity: The term “gravity” is often used in a more localized context, such as the gravitational force experienced on or near a celestial body like Earth.
Gravitation: Gravitation encompasses the entire range of gravitational interactions in the universe, including those between celestial bodies like planets, stars, and galaxies.
Scale:
Gravity: Gravity is often discussed on a smaller scale, such as the gravitational force between an object and the Earth.
Gravitation: Gravitation is a broader concept that applies on a cosmic scale, governing the motion of celestial bodies in space.
In summary, gravity is often used in a more localized and practical sense, while gravitation is a broader, universal concept describing the fundamental force between all masses in the universe.