Introduction

Gravitational Force is one of the main concepts in physics that directly impacts our daily lives. It is the force that keeps our feet on the ground, makes planets orbit the Sun, and is the main cause of tides. It began to be studied by Isaac Newton in 1687 and, through the formulation of the law of universal gravitation, became a fundamental piece to explain observable natural phenomena, even from a distance.

Newton, when observing the apple fall from the tree, questioned whether the same force that made the apple fall could be responsible for keeping the Moon in its orbit. Thus, he proposed the law of universal gravitation which, in summary, states that all bodies in nature attract each other, with forces whose intensity depends on their masses and the distance they are separated. In this project, we will delve into these concepts and explore their implications for understanding the Universe as a whole.

Moreover, this force is essential for the maintenance of life as we know it. From influencing the evolution of species, which have adapted to the constant presence of this force, to its importance in space exploration, the study of gravitational force is an extraordinary tool to unravel numerous mysteries of science.

Contextualization

Gravitational force is one of the main elements that govern the Universe. It keeps planets in their orbits, determines the trajectory of comets, and even the shape and structure of galaxies. Additionally, on our planet, it directly influences the tide cycle, the action of GPS devices, and many other aspects of our daily lives.

In addition to all its relevance to physics, gravitational force also has a strong intersection with mathematics. This is because the expression of this force is calculated through a formula that involves the mass of the bodies and the distance between them. Therefore, to understand gravity, it is necessary to develop mathematical skills such as calculations with powers and roots, as well as the manipulation of units of measurement.

Practical Activity: The Space in Our Hands

Objectives

The activity aims to promote direct interaction of students with the law of universal gravitation, allowing interaction with physics and mathematics concepts in a playful and engaging way.

Project Description

Students will simulate the gravitational force acting on different planets of the solar system considering their respective masses and radii. The students will calculate these forces, create a physical model, and present their research.

Students should be organized into groups of 3 to 5 members, and each group will be assigned a specific planet from the solar system to work on.

Necessary Materials

• Digital scale with gram precision.
• Scientific calculators.
• Paper, pens, and pencils for notes and calculations.
• Clay or similar material for creating the physical model.
• Computer with internet access.
• Physics and Mathematics books.

Step by Step

1. Research and Calculations: Each group conducts research on the characteristics of their assigned planet (mass and radius) and, using the law of universal gravitation, calculates the gravitational force that would be exerted on a personal object of their choice.

2. Modeling: After the calculations, the students will create a physical model that visually represents the gravitational force of the planet in question on the chosen object. Here, students can use clay or some other modeling material to create an object representing the planet, as well as an object representing the chosen object.

3. Presentation: Students will prepare a presentation for the class, sharing their findings and explaining their model. This will test their communication skills, in addition to adding a performance element to the project.

4. Writing the Report: Each group must elaborate a formal project report. The report should have four sections: introduction, development, conclusions, and bibliography.

• Introduction: Includes the description of the work, objectives, and its relevance.

• Development: Presents key theoretical concepts about gravitational force, the methodology used to calculate gravitational force, the development of the model, as well as the results obtained.

• Conclusions: Reflects on the results obtained, the difficulties encountered, and the lessons learned during the project.

• Bibliography: References all sources of information used during the work.

This project will likely require more than 12 hours per student to complete, as it involves several parts: research, calculations, modeling, presentation rehearsal, and report writing. The time for its completion should be carefully managed.

Project Delivery

Students must deliver both the physical model and the written report. The presentation to the class is also part of the evaluation.

The written report is a vital part of the project and should complement the practical work. It contains the theory behind the experience, detailed explanations of the project, the methodology used, the results obtained, and the conclusions. It should also demonstrate the student's ability to manage time, work in a team, and solve problems.