Gravitational Fields

Question 1

What is a gravitational Field.

Answer 1

a region in space in which any mass will experience a force of attraction

Question 2

Define Gravitational field strength (g)

Answer 2

the gravitational force exerted per unit mass at a point within a gravitational field

Question 3

Define Gravitational potential

Answer 3

the work done per unit mass to move an object to that point from infinity

Question 4

What are the units of gravitational potential

Answer 4

Joules per Kilogram

Question 5

Define Gravitational potential energy

Answer 5

the energy of an object due to its position in a gravitational field.

Question 6

Define Escape velocity

Answer 6

the minimum velocity at which an object has just enough energy to leave a specified gravitational field

Question 7

Which direction is gravitational field strength always in?

Answer 7

points towards the centre of mass of the object creating the field

Question 8

What are Geostationary satellites

Answer 8

a satellite in which the orbital period of the satellite is equal to the rotational period of the Earth

Question 9

Why is gravitational potential negative?

Answer 9

gravitational potential is zero at infinity, because it requires no work to bring it from infinity to that position, so all values of gravitational potential are negative