gravitational fields

Question 1

field

Answer 1

a region in which each point has a physical quantity associated with it.

Question 2

inverse squared law

Answer 2

The field strength drops off in an inverse square relationship with distance from source.

Question 3

gravitational constant

Answer 3

G=6.67x10^-11 N m^2 kg^–2

Question 4

gravitational field strength

Answer 4

gravitational force that acts on an object per unit mass

Question 5

radial field

Answer 5

A field in which the field lines are all directed towards a single point

Question 6

uniform field

Answer 6

A field in which the value of the field strength is the same at all points

Question 7

gravitational potential

Answer 7

the work done per unit mass to move an object to that point from infinity

Question 8

equipotential surface

Answer 8

a surface with a constant value of the potential at all points on the surface.

Question 9

geostationary orbit

Answer 9

any orbit with a period equal to Earth’s rotation period

Question 10

escape velocity

Answer 10

the velocity needed for a body to escape from a gravitational centre of attraction without undergoing any further acceleration.

Question 11

low earth orbit

Answer 11

Earth-centered orbits with an altitude of 1,200 miles (2,000 km) or less.

Question 12

polar orbit

Answer 12

A polar orbit is one in which a satellite passes above or nearly above both poles of the body being orbited on each revolution