Gravitational Field

Question 1

Newton’s Law of Gravitation

Answer 1

Newton’s law of gravitation states that the gravitational force for attraction between two points masses is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the separation between their centres.

Question 2

Geostationary orbit

Answer 2

An equatorial orbit with an orbital period of 24 hours and moving in the direction from West to East.

Question 3

Gravitational field

Answer 3

A region of space in which a mass will experience a non-contact force.

Question 4

Gravitational field strength

Answer 4

The gravitational force per unit mass experienced by a small test mass placed at that point.

Question 5

Gravitational potential energy

Answer 5

The gravitational potential energy of a mass at a point is defined as the work done on the mass in moving it from infinity to that point.

Question 6

Gravitational potential

Answer 6

The work done per unit mass in bringing a small test mass from infinity to that point.