Gravitational Fields

Question 1

How do gravitational fields arise?

Answer 1

Two masses placed any distance apart always exert an attractive force on each other

Question 2

What is a gravitational field?

Answer 2

A region where a mass experiences a force

Question 3

What are some features of a uniform gravitational field?

Answer 3

› Same size and direction at all points

› The equation Δgpe = mgΔh can be used for small changes in height

Question 4

What are some features of a non-uniform gravitational field?

Answer 4

Size, direction, or both, will change

Question 5

Why is gravitational potential negative?

Answer 5

› Because the force is attractive

› So bringing a mass from infinity to that point gives out energy