Comparing Gravitational & Electrostatic Forces (AQA A Level Physics) : Revision Note

Katie M

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Katie M

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Gravitational v Electrostatic Forces

  • The similarities and differences between gravitational and electrostatic forces are listed in the table below:

7-4-7-g-fields-v-e-fields-table-1-1
G Fields v E Fields Table 2, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes
G Fields v E Fields Table 3, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Similarities between gravitational and electrostatic fields

  • The field lines around a point mass and negative point charge are identical

  • The field lines in uniform gravitational and electric fields are identical

  • Both forces follow inverse square law relationships with distance

  • Both gravitational field strength and electric field strength follow an inverse square law (1/r2) relationship with distance in a radial field

  • Both gravitational potential and electric potential both follow an inverse (1/r) relationship with distance

  • The equipotential surfaces are spherical around a point mass or charge and equally spaced parallel lines in uniform fields

  • The work done by either field is equal to the product of the mass or charge and change in potential

Differences between gravitational and electrostatic fields

  • The gravitational force acts on particles with mass whilst the electrostatic force acts on particles with charge

  • The gravitational force is always attractive whilst the electrostatic force can be attractive or repulsive

  • The gravitational potential is always negative whilst the electric potential can be either negative or positive

  • Gravitational fields are relatively weak compared to electric fields as the gravitational constant G is much smaller than the Coulomb constant k

Examiner Tips and Tricks

This topic could come up as long structured answer question, practice summing up this information as you would for a 6 mark question.

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.

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