12. gravity can't begin, to pull me back to the ground again [NTF] Flashcards
gravitational fields
Gravitational field
a region of space where a mass experiences an attractive force towards a second force.
What is newtons law of gravitation?
an inverse square law
Newtons law of gravitation
F = GMm/r^2
Gravitational field strength equation
g = F/m = FM/r^2
differences between electric fields and gravitational fields
- electric fields are attractive and repulsive whereas gravitational is just attractice
- objects can be shielded from electric fields but not gravitational
- size of an electric field depends on the medium between the objects whereas gravitational does not
- The force between (unit) charges at a given separation is much stronger than the force between (unit) masses at the same separation
Similarities between electric fields and gravitational fields
- both are unit forces (gravitational - force per unit mass, electric - force per unit positive charge)
- both are inverse square laws
- both have infinite range
When is energy transferred?
when a mass or charge moves in a field
Why do satellites stay in orbit?
Because they’re constantly in free fall along a curve path around the earth
What are the different types of orbit?
- eccentric (altitude varies)
- polar orbit (passes over noth/south poles)
- low earth orbit (orbit close to earths surface)
- geostationary orbit ( takes a constant time to orbit earth)
What can orbits be presumed as?
circular
How is presuming orbits circular helpful?
F = GMm/r^2 = mv^2/r
What do field lines show?
The direction of the force a mass would feel
Properties of gravitational fields
- always attractive
- can’t be shielded
- always the same no matter whats placed in between
- objects have to be large for the field to have any effects i.e. planet size
Gravitational field strength, g
force per unit mass
What happens to gravitational field strength below the surface of the earth.
g is proportional to the radius at that point. g increases the further you are from the centre until you reach the surface.