Define gravitational field .

A gravitational field is a region of space where a mass experiences a force.

Define gravitational field strength .

Gravitational field strength is the force per unit mass acting on a small mass at that point.

True or False? Gravitational forces can be repulsive as well as attractive.

False. Gravitational forces are always attractive , and never repulsive.

Describe how gravitational field lines are arranged around a point mass , such as a planet.

Field lines are directed radially inward towards the centre of the mass, and the field strength decreases with distance from the centre.

Describe how gravitational field lines are arranged in a uniform field .

Field lines are equally spaced and parallel , showing that the field strength is the same at all points.

Why can the Earth's gravitational field near its surface be approximated as uniform?

Close to the surface, the change in distance from Earth's centre is small compared with Earth's radius, so the radial field is almost uniform over that region.

A LevelPhysicsCambridge (CIE)Flashcards13. Gravitational FieldsGravitational Field

Gravitational Field (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Physics): Flashcards

Exam code: 9702

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FrontGravitational Fields
Define gravitational field.

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Cards in this collection (7)

Define gravitational field.
A gravitational field is a region of space where a mass experiences a force.
Define gravitational field strength.
Gravitational field strength is the force per unit mass acting on a small mass at that point.
Gravitational field strength is calculated using $g = \frac{F_{g}}{m}$ , where $F_{g}$ is the force due to .........., or weight.
Gravitational field strength is calculated using $g = \frac{F_{g}}{m}$ , where $F_{g}$ is the force due to gravity, or weight.
True or False?
Gravitational forces can be repulsive as well as attractive.
False.
Gravitational forces are always attractive, and never repulsive.
Describe how gravitational field lines are arranged around a point mass, such as a planet.
Field lines are directed radially inward towards the centre of the mass, and the field strength decreases with distance from the centre.
Describe how gravitational field lines are arranged in a uniform field.
Field lines are equally spaced and parallel, showing that the field strength is the same at all points.
Why can the Earth's gravitational field near its surface be approximated as uniform?
Close to the surface, the change in distance from Earth's centre is small compared with Earth's radius, so the radial field is almost uniform over that region.

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