P2.3.3 - Gravitational Field And Potential Energy Flashcards
What is a gravitational field?
A region where a mass experiences an attractive force
What is the equation used to calculate gravity force?
Gravity force = mass * gravitational field strength
What is another term for gravitational field strength?
Gravity constant
What is gravity constant?
A measure of the force on a 1kg mass when it is in a gravitational field due to another mass
What causes the forces exerted on the mass in a gravitational field to be stronger?
The mass of one or both of them is bigger
The distance between them is smaller
What is weight?
The force of the Earth on an object when it is on the Earth’s surface
What is the equation to calculate weight?
Weight = mass * gravitational field strength
What is the gravity constant on the Earth’s surface?
10N/kg (9.81)
What is the gravity constant on the Moon’s surface?
1.6N/kg
What is the gravity constant on Jupiter’s surface?
27N/kg
What is the gravity constant on Saturn’s surface?
10.4N/kg
What happens to the energy when you life something in a gravitational field?
It gets transferred to a gravity store
What is the equation used to calculate gravitational potential energy?
Gravitational potential energy = mass * height * gravitational field strength
