1.4 - Gravitation

Question 1

What is an astronomical unit (AU)

Answer 1

the distance between the earth and the sun in metres

Question 2

what is gravitational field strength

Answer 2

gravitational force per unit mass

Question 3

draw the gravitational field lines and equipotential lines around a single mass

Answer 3

check book

Question 4

draw the gravitational field lines and equipotential lines around 2 equal masses

Answer 4

check book

Question 5

draw the gravitational field lines and equipotential lines around 2 unequal masses

Answer 5

check book

Question 6

what is gravitational potential (V) at a point in a field

Answer 6

the work done in bringing a unit mass from infinity to the point

Question 7

what is the energy required to move a mass between 2 points in a gravitational field independent of?

Answer 7

the path taken

Question 8

define escape velocity

Answer 8

the minimum velocity required to allow a mass to escape a gravitational field to infinity, where the mass achieves 0 kinetic energy and maximum (0) potential energy.