Gravitational Fields Flashcards
1
Q
How do gravitational fields arise?
A
Two masses placed any distance apart always exert an attractive force on each other
2
Q
What is a gravitational field?
A
A region where a mass experiences a force
3
Q
What are some features of a uniform gravitational field?
A
› Same size and direction at all points
› The equation Δgpe = mgΔh can be used for small changes in height
4
Q
What are some features of a non-uniform gravitational field?
A
Size, direction, or both, will change
5
Q
Why is gravitational potential negative?
A
› Because the force is attractive
› So bringing a mass from infinity to that point gives out energy
