Gravitational fields 26-27

Question 1

What is the equation for Newton’s law of gravitation?

Why is there a negative sign in the equation?

Answer 1

F = - GMm/r²

The negative sign shos that the vector F is in the opposite direction to r (displacement of m from M0

Question 2

What is the value of the gravitational constant, G?

Answer 2

G is 6.67 x 10^-11Nm²kg²

Question 3

Draw the gravitational lines of force of Earth.

Answer 3

Question 4

What equation can be used to calculate the gravitional field strength,g?

Answer 4

g = F / m

F is the force experienced by a mass m when it’s placed in the gravitional field.