Physics 21.1 Gravitational Field Strength

Question 1

What is a gravitational field?

Answer 1

A gravitational field can be defined as the region of space surrounding a body where other bodies will feel a force due to it.

Question 2

What are gravitational field lines?

Answer 2

Gravitational field lines show the direction and relative magnitude of a force on a mass placed in the force field.

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Question 3

What are the two conditions of field line diagrams?

Answer 3

• Field lines do not start or stop in empty space
• Field lines never cross

Question 4

Define gravitational field strength

Answer 4

Gravitational field strength, g, is the force exerted on an object (at a poin) per unit mass. Gravitational field strength is a vector quantity.

Question 5

What is the equation for graviational field strength?

Answer 5

g=(F/m)

• g is the gravitational field strength in Newtons per kilogram [N kg-1]
• m is the mass of the test mass in kilograms [kg]
• F is the gravitational force in Newtons [N]