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2.5.3Force and Translational Dynamics

Gravitational Field — AP PHYSICS 1 Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 7 parts Lesson 16 of 36 1 quiz

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Lesson summary

2.5.3 Gravitational Field — AP PHYSICS 1 notes: Describe gravitational fields, field lines and the difference between radial and uniform fields.Field — a model of the effect of a non-contact force at positions in spaceGravitational field — a region where a mass experiences a forc…

  • Acceleration
  • Larger masses
  • Radial field
  • Resistance
  • Gravitational field — a region where a mass experiences a force from the gravitational attraction of another mass
  • Direction — the force that would act on a mass placed at that point

Part 1 of 5Field concept

Field
  • Field a model of the effect of a non-contact force at positions in space
Gravitational field
  • Gravitational field a region where a mass experiences a force from the gravitational attraction of another mass
Direction
  • Direction the force that would act on a mass placed at that point

Part 2 of 5Field lines

Direction
  • Direction toward the center of the largest mass, since gravity is only attractive
Strength
  • Strength shown by line density; closer lines mean a stronger field
Acceleration
  • Acceleration lines also show the direction of acceleration of a free point mass

Part 3 of 5Radial and uniform fields

FeatureRadial fieldUniform field
ShapeLines point to the centerEqually spaced parallel lines
StrengthVaries with distanceSame everywhere
ExampleFar from Earth in spaceNear Earth's surface, g = 10 N kg-1

Part 4 of 5Dependence on mass

Larger masses
  • Larger masses produce stronger fields
Example
  • Example the Moon's field strength is less than Earth's

Part 5 of 5More from the specification

More from the specification
Reference frame
  • Coordinate system used by an observer.
Buoyant force
  • Upward force equal to the weight of displaced fluid.
Equivalence principle
  • Acceleration and gravity are indistinguishable locally.
Weight
  • Gravitational force on a mass.
Newton
  • Unit of force, kg m s-2.
Resistance
  • Opposition to current, R = V / I, in ohms (Ω).
Constant
  • Not changing.
System
  • Objects analysed together.
Normal
  • Line at 90° to a surface.
Satellite
  • A body that orbits a larger one; the Moon is the Earth's natural satellite.
Apparent weight
  • Normal force on an object.

Key terms

TermMeaning
Gravitational fieldRegion where mass experiences gravitational force.
Field lineLine showing field direction.
Radial fieldField directed to a center and varying with distance.
Uniform fieldField of constant strength and direction.

Avoid these mistakes

Avoid these mistakes
Drawing field lines pointing away from a mass.
Saying gravitational fields can repel.
Treating a radial field as uniform at large distances.

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