law of gravitation
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The scientific principle that every particle of matter in the universe attracts every other particle with a force directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centres.
In broader contexts, it can metaphorically refer to any fundamental or compelling force of attraction, especially in social or psychological discussions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always used with the definite article 'the'. While 'gravity' is the general phenomenon, 'the law of gravitation' or 'Newton's law of gravitation' refers specifically to the mathematical formulation (F = G*(m1*m2)/r^2).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are the primary differences. 'Centre' (UK) vs. 'center' (US) in definitions. The term itself is equally standard in both scientific communities.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation; strongly associated with Newton and foundational physics in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside of physics, astronomy, and engineering contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] obeys/violates the law of gravitation.The law of gravitation [verb] that...According to the law of gravitation, ...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(Like) a law of social gravitation (metaphorical extension)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used, except metaphorically: 'There seems to be a law of gravitation pulling talent towards the tech hubs.'
Academic
Core concept in physics, astronomy, and engineering courses and literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be referenced in popular science discussions or historical contexts.
Technical
Precise term in classical mechanics; distinguishes Newtonian formulation from Einstein's theory of general relativity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The theory gravitationally explains the orbits.
- Objects gravitate towards each other.
American English
- The model gravitationally predicts the shift.
- Populations gravitate toward coastal cities.
adverb
British English
- The satellite was gravitationally bound to the planet.
- The system behaves gravitationally.
American English
- The particles interacted gravitationally.
- The body moved gravitationally.
adjective
British English
- The gravitational constant is key to the calculation.
- They studied the gravitational effects.
American English
- The gravitational field was mapped.
- It was a gravitational anomaly.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Newton found the law of gravitation.
- The apple fell because of gravity.
- The law of gravitation explains why planets orbit the sun.
- According to this law, all objects attract each other.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think NEWTON: Neighbouring Everything Withstands, Unifies, or Turns On Newton's law.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTION IS A LAW (e.g., 'the law of attraction' in popular psychology borrows this framing); FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES ARE PHYSICAL LAWS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'law' as 'закон' in a purely legal sense; here it means 'закономерность', 'физический закон'.
- Do not confuse with 'gravity' alone ('тяготение'/'гравитация'); the full phrase specifies the mathematical rule.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'the gravitation law' (word order error).
- Incorrect: Using 'law of gravity' interchangeably at a highly technical level (though common in less formal contexts).
- Incorrect: Omitting the definite article 'the'.
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'law of gravitation' specifically refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sir Isaac Newton is credited with formulating the law of universal gravitation in his work 'Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica' (1687).
Newton's law is extremely accurate for most everyday and astronomical calculations at non-relativistic speeds and outside intense gravitational fields. For the most precise and general descriptions, Einstein's theory of general relativity is used.
'G' is the universal gravitational constant, a fundamental physical constant that determines the strength of the gravitational force in Newton's equation.
The force that holds you on the surface of the Earth and the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth are both described by the same law of gravitation.