Why gravity is 1/r²

See a force spread out over a growing sphere.

Why 1/r²? Spreading out

Interactive

Distance from the source2 ×

The math, with your numbers

\text{strength} \propto \frac{1}{r^2} = \frac{1}{(2)^2} = \frac{1}{4} = 0.25 \times \text{(strength at 1×)}

Want to know why it behaves like this?

The lesson “Gravity & Orbits” explains it step by step: Why doesn't the Moon fall down?

Why gravity is 1/r²

See a force spread out over a growing sphere.

Why 1/r²? Spreading out

Interactive

Distance from the source2 ×

The math, with your numbers

\text{strength} \propto \frac{1}{r^2} = \frac{1}{(2)^2} = \frac{1}{4} = 0.25 \times \text{(strength at 1×)}

Want to know why it behaves like this?

The lesson “Gravity & Orbits” explains it step by step: Why doesn't the Moon fall down?