All Flashcards
What is the definition of a gravitational field?
A region around a massive object where other objects experience a force of attraction.
Define mass.
A measure of an object's inertia (how much it resists changes in motion). It's an intrinsic property and doesn't change based on location.
Define weight.
The force of gravity acting on an object. It changes depending on the gravitational field strength.
What is free fall?
When the only force acting on an object is gravity.
Define acceleration due to gravity (g).
The acceleration of an object in free fall, approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth.
What happens when the only force acting on an object is gravity?
The object is in free fall and accelerates at 'g' (acceleration due to gravity).
What is the effect of increasing the mass of an object on its weight?
Increasing the mass increases the weight, assuming the gravitational field strength remains constant (F = mg).
What is the effect of increasing the gravitational acceleration on an object's weight?
Increasing the gravitational acceleration increases the weight, assuming the mass remains constant (F = mg).
What happens when an object is in free fall?
The object's acceleration is equal to the acceleration due to gravity (g).
What is the effect of increasing mass on gravitational force?
Increasing mass increases the gravitational force (weight), assuming the gravitational field strength remains constant.
What is the effect of increasing gravitational acceleration on gravitational force?
Increasing gravitational acceleration increases the gravitational force (weight), assuming mass remains constant.