CCEA A-Level Physics 1210
Physical Quantities, Scalars and Vectors
Moments and Equilibrium
Linear Motion and Dynamics
Newton's Laws of Motion
Linear Momentum and Impulse
Work, Energy and Power
Current, Charge and Potential Difference
Resistance and Resistivity
Internal Resistance and Potential Dividers
Waves
Refraction
Lenses
Superposition, Interference and Diffraction
Quantum Physics
Wave-Particle Duality
Astronomy
Practical Skills and Data Analysis
Deformation of Solids
Thermal Physics
Uniform Circular Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion
The Nucleus and Radioactive Decay
Nuclear Energy, Fission and Fusion
Gravitational Fields
Electric Fields
Capacitors
Magnetic Fields
Charged Particles and Accelerators
Gravitational Fields
Gravitational field strength
- 3 things to know
- Unit A2 2
Overview
Gravitational field strength and mass and weight.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
State the unit of gravitational field strength.
Show that N kg⁻¹ is equivalent to m s⁻².
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
Define gravitational field strength.
Model answer
Gravitational field strength is the gravitational force acting per unit mass on a small test mass placed at that point in the field.
- 2
Give the equation defining gravitational field strength and define each symbol.
Model answer
g = F/m, where g is the gravitational field strength in N kg⁻¹, F the gravitational force in newtons and m the mass in kilograms.
- 3
State the unit of gravitational field strength.
Model answer
The newton per kilogram, N kg⁻¹.
- 4
Show that N kg⁻¹ is equivalent to m s⁻².
Model answer
A newton is 1 kg m s⁻², so N kg⁻¹ is kg m s⁻² divided by kg, which is m s⁻².
- 5
Why is gravitational field strength numerically equal to the acceleration of free fall?
Model answer
For a freely falling body the only force is the weight mg, so by Newton's second law the acceleration is g, the same number as the field strength.
- 6
Is gravitational field strength a vector or a scalar?
Model answer
A vector, directed towards the mass producing the field.
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