Earth exerts a gravitational force on the moon in accordance with Newton's law
of universal gravitation. This force acts as a centripetal force that holds the
moon in a nearly circular orbit around Earth. The following are equations and
data about forces in orbital motion.
y²
r
moon's mass: mM = 7.35 x 102² kg
Earth-moon distance: r = 3.84 x 108 m.
G = 6.67 x 10-¹¹ Nom²/kg²
m₁m₂
r²
F₁ = G
Earth's mass: m = 5.97 x 1024 kg
F₁ = m