3.7.1 Fields

Question 1

Force Field

Answer 1

An area in which an object experiences a non-contact force.

Question 2

Vectors

Answer 2

Mathematical representations that describe the direction of the force exerted on an object within a force field.

Question 3

Field Lines

Answer 3

Diagrams used to represent force fields, where the distance between lines indicates the strength of the force.

Question 4

Gravitational Fields

Answer 4

Force fields formed during the interaction of masses.

Question 5

Electric Fields

Answer 5

Force fields formed during the interaction of charges.

Question 6

Similarities between gravitational fields and electric fields

Answer 6

• Forces both follow an inverse-square law
• Use field lines to be represented
• Both have equipotential surfaces

Question 7

Differences between gravitational fields and electric fields

Answer 7

• In gravitational fields, the force exerted is always attractive, while in electric fields the force can be either repulsive or attractive.
• Electric force acts on charge, while gravitational force acts on mass.

Question 8

Equipotential Surfaces

Answer 8

Surfaces in both gravitational and electric fields where the potential energy is constant.