A-Level Physics Syllabus Supplements > Gravitational Field
Gravitational Field
This lesson is your portal to understanding the intricate forces that govern the cosmos. You’ll encounter Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation, explore gravitational field lines, and uncover the secrets of orbits and satellite dynamics. From escape speeds to potential gradients, this chapter unveils the profound principles of gravitational physics.
👨🏻🏫5 Lessons * 2 Hours/Week
💻25 Conceptual Videos & 40 Example Question Videos
🔒Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation I
🔒Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation II
🔒Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation III
🔒Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation IV
Gravitational Field Strength 1
Gravitational Field Strength 2
Gravitational Field Strength 3
🔒Variation Gravitational Field Strength
🔒Factors Affecting Gravitational Field Strength
🔒Orbits Near the Surface of the Earth
🔒Weightless and Apparently Weightlessness I
🔒Weightless and Apparently Weightlessness II
🔒Apparent Weight of a body at Different Locations on Earth
Gravitational Potential Energy
🔒Equipotential & Potential Gradient
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Mastery Practices
🟩Easy
Two isolated masses m1 and m2 are separated by a distance r.
Which expression gives the gravitational field strength caused by m1 at m2?
Answer Explanation
🟩Easy
Why does the Moon stay in its orbit at a constant distance from the Earth?
A |
The gravitational pull of the Earth on the Moon is just sufficient to cause the centripetal acceleration of the Moon |
B |
The gravitational pull of the Earth on the Moon balances the gravitational pull of the Moon on the Earth |
C |
The gravitational pull of the Moon on the Earth is negligible at this distance |
D |
The centripetal force the Earth exerts on the Moon balances the centripetal force the Moon exerts on the Earth |
E |
The centripetal force the Earth exerts on the Moon balances the gravitational force the Earth exerts on the Moon. |
Answer Explanation
🟩Easy
A mass m is at fixed point Q. It produces a gravitational potential at point P, distant r from Q.
This gravitational potential is equal to the external work done on unit mass in moving it.
A |
from P to Q |
C |
from P to infinity |
B |
from Q to P |
D |
from infinity to P |
Answer Explanation
🟧Medium
The figure below shows the gravitational potential near the surface of the asteroid 951 Gaspra. Determine the mass of the asteroid.
A |
1.00 x 1016 kg |
B |
2.00 x 1016 kg |
C |
3.00 x 1016 kg |
D |
4.00 x 1016 kg |
Answer Explanation
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