Unit 3A: gravitational, electric & magnetic fields

Question 1

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

Answer 1

any two objects that have a mass, experience a force of attraction between them that is directly proportional to each mass and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers of masses

Question 2

Gravitational Field

Answer 2

a collision of vectors, one at each point in space that determines the magnitude and direction of the gravitational force

Question 3

Gravitational Field Strength

Answer 3

the force per unit of mass of an object placed in a gravitational field

Question 4

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Answer 4

consists of 24 artificial satellites. By coordinating several signals at once, an object on Earth’s surface can be located within 15 m of its position. Typically 3 signals are used in a process called triangulation

Question 5

Geosynchronous Orbit

Answer 5

this is when a satellite orbits Earth with the speed matching that of Earth’s own rotation (the period of the satellite is equal to the Period of Earth)