All Flashcards
Label the diagram of Gravitational Field Lines.
Lines point towards the center of mass, density indicates field strength.
Label the diagram of a Satellite Orbiting a Planet.
Planet (M), Satellite (m), Orbital Radius (r), Gravitational Force (F).
List the steps to derive the gravitational field equation from Newton's Laws.
- F = G rac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} 2. 3. m_1 a = G rac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} 4. a = G rac{m_2}{r^2} 5. g = G rac{M}{r^2}
How do you calculate gravitational force between two masses?
Use Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: F = G rac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}.
How do you calculate gravitational field strength?
Use the formula: g = G rac{M}{r^2}.
How to find the acceleration of an object in free fall?
The acceleration is equal to the gravitational field strength, (approximately 9.8 m/s² near Earth's surface, ignoring air resistance).
What is the first step in deriving the orbital speed of a satellite?
Set the gravitational force equal to the centripetal force.
How to calculate the net gravitational force on an object due to multiple sources?
Calculate the gravitational force due to each source separately, then add them vectorially.
Define Gravitational Force.
The force of attraction between any two objects with mass.
What is Free Fall?
When the only force acting on an object is gravity.
Define Gravitational Field.
A region of space where a mass experiences a gravitational force; a vector field with magnitude and direction.
What is 'g'?
Gravitational field strength or acceleration due to gravity.
Define Weight.
The gravitational force acting on an object, given by .