1.4 - gravitational potential energy & gravity

Question 1

what is gravity?

Answer 1

invisible force that pulls objects towards eachother.

Question 2

what is gravitational potential energy?

Answer 2

an objects gravitational potential energy is the energy it has due to its height in a gravitational field.

Question 3

what is weight?

Answer 3

an objects weight is the force acting on that object due to gravity.

Question 4

what is gravitational field strength?

Answer 4

the strength of a gravitational field around an object.

Question 5

what is the formula for weight?

Answer 5

weight (W) = Mass (m) x Gravitational field strength (g)
W = mg

Question 6

what are the units of weight?

Answer 6

newtons (N)

Question 7

what is the formula for gravitational potential energy?

Answer 7

gravitational potential energy (GPE) = mass (m) x gravitational field strength (g) x Height (h)

GPE = mgh

Question 8

which two factors affect the strength of gravitational attraction between two objects?

Answer 8

1. the masses of the objects.
2. the distance between them.