All Flashcards
In a diagram of gravitational field lines, what does the direction of the lines indicate?
The direction of the gravitational force; field lines point towards the center of the mass creating the field.
In a diagram of gravitational field lines, what does the spacing of the lines indicate?
The strength of the gravitational field; closer lines indicate a stronger field.
A satellite is orbiting a planet. What force provides the centripetal force?
The gravitational force between the planet and the satellite.
If a planet has a greater mass, how would its gravitational field lines differ from a planet with less mass?
The planet with greater mass would have more dense and closely spaced gravitational field lines.
What is the shape of the gravitational field lines surrounding a spherical object?
Radially inward, converging towards the center of the sphere.
Differentiate between gravitational force and gravitational field.
Gravitational Force: The force between two masses. Gravitational Field: A region where a mass experiences a force.
Compare mass and weight.
Mass: Amount of matter in an object (scalar). Weight: Gravitational force on an object (vector).
Compare gravitational constant (G) and gravitational acceleration (g).
G: Universal constant, . g: Acceleration due to gravity, approximately on Earth.
What is the effect of increasing the mass of a planet on its gravitational field?
Increases the gravitational field strength.
What is the effect of doubling the distance from a planet's center on gravitational field strength?
The gravitational field strength is quartered (decreases by a factor of 4).
What happens when the only force acting on an object is gravity?
The object is in free fall and accelerates at (near Earth's surface).
What is the effect of gravitational force on a satellite?
It provides the centripetal force required for the satellite to orbit the planet.
What happens when an object falls in a gravitational field?
It accelerates towards the center of the mass creating the field.