Universal law of gravitation class 11 - Physics, Gravitation - eSaral

eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Hey, are you in Class 11? or do you want to learn about the universal law of gravitation for class 11? If yes. Then you are at the right place.
Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation
Any two particles of matter anywhere in the universe attract each other with a force which is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, the direction of the force being along the line joining the particles, i.e.
$\mathrm{F} \propto \frac{\mathrm{m}_{1} \mathrm{~m}_{2}}{\mathrm{r}^{2}}$
Or
$F=\frac{G m_{1} m_{2}}{r^{2}}$
G is the universal gravitational constant.
It does not depend on any physical factor and intervening medium.
If
$m_{1}=m_{2}=1 k g$,
$r=1 \mathrm{~m}$ then $\mathrm{F}=\mathrm{G}$
The gravitational constant is defined as the force of attraction acting between two-unit masses placed at a unit distance apart. G is a scalar quantity.
$G=6.673 \times 10^{-11} \mathrm{Nm}^{2} / \mathrm{kg}^{2}$
Gravitational forces are always attractive.
- Gravitational force always acts along the line joining the two masses

- Gravitational force is a mutual force hence it is action-reaction force, i.e., $\vec{F}_{12}=-\vec{F}_{21}$
- The value of G is small therefore gravitational force is weaker than electrostatic and nuclear forces.
- Gravitational forces are conservative forces.
- Gravitational forces is a central force because $F \propto \frac{1}{r^{2}}$.
- The gravitational force between two masses is independent of the presence of other objects and the medium between the two masses.
- Vector form of gravitational force is
$\overrightarrow{\mathrm{F}}_{21}=-\frac{\mathrm{Gm}_{1} \mathrm{~m}_{2}}{\mathrm{r}_{12}^{2}} \hat{\mathrm{r}}_{12}$
force on $\mathrm{m}_{2}$ due to $\mathrm{m}_{1}$.
$\overrightarrow{\mathrm{F}}_{12}=-\frac{\mathrm{Gm}_{1} \mathrm{~m}_{2}}{\mathrm{r}_{21}^{2}} \hat{\mathrm{r}}_{21}$
force on $\mathrm{m}_{1}$ due to $\mathrm{m}_{2}$. - Dimensional formula of $\mathrm{G}$ is $\left[\mathrm{M}^{-1} \mathrm{~L}^{3} \mathrm{~T}^{-2}\right]$
- Range is very large up to interstellar separation.
So, that's all from this Topic. I hope you get the idea about the universal law of gravitation for class 11. If you enjoyed this explanation then please share it with your friends.
Also, read
What is Friction
To watch Free Learning Videos on physics by Saransh Gupta sir Install the eSaral App.

Team eSaral
eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Team eSaral is the collective author profile for educational content created by eSaral’s teachers and academic contributors. The team draws on expertise from IIT graduates, doctors, experienced educators and subject specialists to develop resources for JEE, NEET and school students. Our articles aim to explain concepts clearly and help students study with confidence.
Related Posts

BITSAT 2027: Registration Date, Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern & Fees
BITSAT 2027 exam dates, registration timeline, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, marking scheme, syllabus and fees in one page.

BITSAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF (2017-2026)
Download BITSAT previous year question papers PDF from 2017 to 2026,session-wise. Memory-based papers,exam pattern, paper analysis and how to practise

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2027: Expected Exam Dates, Release Date, Admit Card & Result Timeline
CBSE Class 10 date sheet 2027 is awaited. See the expected exam dates, release window, how to download the PDF, admit card and result timelines.

NCERT Physics Class 10 Book PDF in Hindi 2026-27 – भौतिक विज्ञान के 4 अध्याय (Free Download)
NCERT Physics Class 10 book PDF in Hindi 2026-27: download all 4 chapters (अध्याय 9–12) free, with topics and important formulas.

NCERT Biology Class 9 Book Anveshan PDF in Hindi - जीव विज्ञान कक्षा 9 पुस्तक अन्वेषण PDF
Download NCERT Biology Class 9 book PDF in Hindi chapterwise for 2026-27: Cell, Tissues, Reproduction and Diversity. Free PDFs.
-1.webp?2026-10-02T10%3A55%3A05.572Z)
Essay On Artificial Intelligence in English (100,150, 200, 250, 300, 500 Words)
This is in contrast to the natural intelligence of humans. With Artificial Intelligence, machines can perform

Essay on 78th India Independence Day in English for Student (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 500 Words)
Read the best essays on India's Independence Day in English. Short & long essays (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 500 words) perfect for school exams
NCERT Class 11 English Snapshots book - Free PDF download- Esaral
Download NCERT Class 11 English Snapshots book PDF for free. Get all 8 chapters, chapter-wise. Start your prep today!
NCERT Class 10 biology book pdf - Free PDF Download - eSaral
NCERT Class 10 Biology book PDF 2026-27: all 5 chapters (Life Processes to Our Environment) in English & Hindi, with CBSE syllabus, marks & practical

Essay on Global Warming in English (100,150, 200, 250, 300, 500 Words)
Global warming means the Earth is getting hotter. This happens because of things like pollution from cars and factories.
