gravitational

Everyday

1. Gravitational means about gravity, the force that pulls things towards each other, like objects falling to the ground. tree →
2. Used in science to describe the pull of planets, stars and the Moon. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science lessons on space and forces: «gravitational pull», «gravitational force», «gravitational field». It tells the reader the topic is the force of gravity.

Examples

• The Moon's gravitational pull causes tides. tree →
• Earth's gravitational force keeps us on the ground. tree →
• Jupiter has a very strong gravitational pull. tree →
• Astronauts float because they are falling around Earth in its gravitational field. tree →
• Black holes have huge gravitational fields. tree →
• Gravitational force is measured in newtons. tree →

Note

Adjective from «gravity» (gravitation). Spelling: gra-vi-ta-tion-al. Myth: astronauts in orbit are not free of gravity; they are falling around the Earth. On the Moon, gravity is about one sixth of Earth's, so you would weigh about one sixth as much.