Difference Between Gravitation and Gravity

Even though both the terms sound alike but there is a difference between gravitation and gravity, gravitation is the force occurring between two bodies whereas gravity is the force occurring between the earth and a body. Gravitational force along with electromagnetic force, weak nuclear force, and strong nuclear force build the four fundamental types of forces of the universe.

Difference Between Gravitation and Gravity

Gravitation is referred to the force acting between two bodies which can be represented as the $F=(GM_{1}M_{2})/R^{2}$ which means gravitation force is proportional to the product of the masses of the object 1 and object 2 and is inversely proportional to the square of distance between them. The gravitational force between earth and any object is known as gravity.

Difference Between Gravitation and Gravity

Gravitation

Gravity

It can be an attraction force or repulsive force

It is always an attraction force

It is an universal force

It is not an universal force

It is a weak force

It is a strong force

The force is $F=(GM_{1}M_{2})/R^{2}$ (G= gravitational constant)

The force is F=mg (g=acceleration due to gravity)

The direction of gravitational force lies in the radial direction from the masses

The direction of force of gravity is along the line joining the earth’s center and the center of the body. Its direction is towards the center of the earth.

Gravitation force is a vector quantity

Gravity is a vector field

The force can be 0 when separation between bodies is infinity

The force of gravity can be 0 at the center of the earth

It requires two masses

It requires only one mass

These were some difference between Gravitation and Gravity. If you wish to find out more, download BYJU’S The Learning App.

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