Gravitational field
a region of space where a mass experiences an attractive force towards a second force.
What is newtons law of gravitation?
an inverse square law
Newtons law of gravitation
F = GMm/r^2
Gravitational field strength equation
g = F/m = FM/r^2
differences between electric fields and gravitational fields
- electric fields are attractive and repulsive whereas gravitational is just attractice
- objects can be shielded from electric fields but not gravitational
- size of an electric field depends on the medium between the objects whereas gravitational does not
- The force between (unit) charges at a given separation is much stronger than the force between (unit) masses at the same separation
Similarities between electric fields and gravitational fields
- both are unit forces (gravitational - force per unit mass, electric - force per unit positive charge)
- both are inverse square laws
- both have infinite range
When is energy transferred?
when a mass or charge moves in a field
Why do satellites stay in orbit?
Because they’re constantly in free fall along a curve path around the earth
What are the different types of orbit?
- eccentric (altitude varies)
- polar orbit (passes over noth/south poles)
- low earth orbit (orbit close to earths surface)
- geostationary orbit ( takes a constant time to orbit earth)
What can orbits be presumed as?
circular
How is presuming orbits circular helpful?
F = GMm/r^2 = mv^2/r
What do field lines show?
The direction of the force a mass would feel
Properties of gravitational fields
- always attractive
- can’t be shielded
- always the same no matter whats placed in between
- objects have to be large for the field to have any effects i.e. planet size
Gravitational field strength, g
force per unit mass
What happens to gravitational field strength below the surface of the earth.
g is proportional to the radius at that point. g increases the further you are from the centre until you reach the surface.
Gravitational potential at a point alternative definition
the work done in moving a unit mass from infinity to that point
Why is gravitational potential negative?
you have to do work against the gravitational field to move an object out of it.
The further you are from the centre of a radial field…
the small the gravitational field strength/ the gravitational potential
At an infinite distance from a point mass the gravitational potential will be…
0
is a mass in moved along equipotentials…
no work is done against gravity
g =
= F/m
= GM/r^2
gravitational force of attraction =
= mass * centripetal acceleration
GMm/r^2 = m*v^2/r g = v^2/r
gravitational potential, V =
-GM/r
Why is gravitational potential negative
because gravity pulls masses together
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Topic 1 - basics17
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Topic 2/6 - Mechanics / Further Mechanics76
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Topic 3 - Electric Circuits88
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Topic 4 - Materials66
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Topic 5 - Waves / Particle Nature of Light226
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Topic 7 - Electric an Magnetic Fields116
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Topic 8 - Particle/Nuclear85
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Topic 9- Thermodynamics83
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Topic 10 -Space84
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Topic 11 - Nuclear Radiation96
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Topic 12 - Gravitational Fields30
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Topic 13 - Oscillations64
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quantum64
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CPACs67
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Synoptic25
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important experiments (all topics p1 & p2)32
