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Cambridge AS & A Level Physics

13.3Gravitational field of a point mass

Gravitational field of a point mass in Cambridge AS & A Level Physics: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.
Subtopic23 practice questions1 lesson

Learning objectives

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.

  1. 13.3.1Derive g = GM/r² from Newton's law and the definition of field strength.
  2. 13.3.2Recall and use g = GM/r².
  3. 13.3.3Explain why g is nearly constant for small height changes near the Earth.

Lessons

  • Gravitational fields and field strength

    40 min

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Sample question

A sample question on this topic. Answer it, check it, then read the worked answer.

Gravitational field of a point mass: sample question

1 mark

A satellite is moved from a distance 2R to a distance 4R from the centre of a planet of radius R. By what factor does the gravitational field strength at the satellite change?

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Turn Gravitational field of a point mass into a strength.

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