gravitational field

Question 1

Newton’s Law of Gravitation

Answer 1

the mutual force of attraction between 2 point masses is directly proportional to the square of their separation. (F=GMm/r²)

Question 2

field of force

Answer 2

the region in space where an object possessing a certain property experiences a force. it can be mapped with lines of the force or with lines of potential.

Question 3

gravitational field

Answer 3

the region in space where a mass experiences a gravitational force.

Question 4

gravitational field strength

Answer 4

the gravitational field strength at a point in a gravitational field is the gravitational force per unit mass acting on a small mass place at that point. (F=mg)

Question 5

gravitational potential

Answer 5

the gravitational potential at a point is the work done per unit mass by an external agent in bringing a point mass from infinity to that point. (without any change in KE)

Question 6

gravitational potential energy

Answer 6

the gravitational potential energy of a mass at a point is the work done by an external agent on the mass in moving it from infinity to that point. (without any change in KE) (GPE = -GMm/r)

Question 7

geostationary orbit

Answer 7

an orbit in which the orbiting object remains stationary relative to the viewer/observer on the Earth.

Question 8

conditions for geostationary orbit

Answer 8

1. orbit of object lies in the equatorial plane
2. object orbits from WEST to EAST
3. period of 1 orbit of object is 24 hrs