3.3 Radial Gravitational Fields Flashcards Preview

A-Level Physics EDEXCEL Year 2 > 3.3 Radial Gravitational Fields > Flashcards

Flashcards in 3.3 Radial Gravitational Fields Deck (9)
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1
Q

What is a radial field?

A

field lines diverge radially outward from a point source or converge radially inwards towards a point source

2
Q

In terms of the gravitational field what direction do the gravitational field lines point to?

A

The point mass

3
Q

What happens to the equipotentials that are around the mass creating a gravitational radial field.

A

They get further away from each other as we get further from the middle

4
Q

What is the equation for gravitational field strength in a gravitational radial field?

A

g = Gm/r^2
where
g = gravitational field strength
G = gravitational constant (6.67x10^-11)
m = mass of thing creating gravitational field
r = separation

5
Q

How do we get this equation?

A

mixing g = f/m and newton’s law of gravitation

6
Q

If we assume the earth has a uniform density what is the relationship between the gravitational field strength and distance?

A

They’re directly proportional

7
Q

What about surface and after?

A

g is inversely proportional to distance ^2

8
Q

If two objects are interacting in each others field by mass is there a point where gravitational field strength is equal to 0?

A

Yes, at that point G1 + G2 = 0 as fields act in opposite directions

9
Q

What does the graph of g against r look like?

A

line starting at -9.81 near the negative axis then increases as distance increases (not a straight line but more like a concave curve)

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