Gravitational field strength Flashcards
Illustrate a gravitational field Explain what is meant by the strength of a gravitational field Define a radial field and a uniform field
What is gravitational attraction/force?
The force of attraction between any two masses due to their mass
What is a gravitational field?
A force field created around a mass in which it exerts a gravitational force on any other mass
What happens when two masses are placed close to each other?
They attract each other with equal and opposite forces
Why can g be described as the acceleration of a free falling object?
A free falling object only experiences a gravitational force mg where g is the gravitational field strength at the object’s position. Acceleration is f/m so mg/m = g
An object that falls freely is____________
Unsupported
Define gravitational field strength
The force per unit mass on a small mass placed in a field
- dependent upon the object’s position in the field
What is a radial field?
A field in which the field lines are straight and converge or diverge as if from a single point
What is a uniform field?
A region where the field strength is the same in magnitude and direction at every point in the field
When can we consider the earth’s field as uniform?
Over distances that are small compared to the earth’s radius
- the value of g is 9.81 N/kg
What is a field line or line of force?
A line which indicates the direction of a force
