Gravitational Fields Flashcards
1
Q
Gravitational field
A
Surrounds all objects with mass, the field extends to infinity and all objects within the field experience a force.
2
Q
What does the minus sign show about gravity in Newton’s equation.
A
The minus sign shows it’s an attractive force. The force acts in the opposite direction of the displacement so it must be negative.
3
Q
Gravitational potential
A
The work done per unit mass in moving an object from a point to infinity in a gravitational field.
4
Q
Radial field
A
Field strength decreases with distance.
Extends out in all directions.
5
Q
Gravitational potential energy
A
Work done in moving an object from a point to infinity in a gravitational field.
