#1: Gravitational Field Strength

These flashcards cover key concepts related to gravitational fields, including definitions, differences between field types, and the behavior of objects in a gravitational field.

What is the strength of a gravitational field defined as?

The force per unit mass on a small test mass placed in the field.

What is the unit of gravitational field strength?

Newton per kilogram (N/kg).

What is the difference between a radial field and a uniform field?

A radial field has lines directed towards a center, while a uniform field has the same strength and direction throughout.

Describe the concept of free fall in a gravitational field.

An object falls freely under the influence of gravity alone, accelerating at g regardless of its mass.

What does g represent in terms of forces?

g represents the gravitational field strength, or the acceleration of a freely falling object.

What happens to gravitational field strength as distance from a massive body increases in a radial field?

The gravitational field strength decreases with increasing distance from the massive body.

At what distances can the Earth's gravitational field be considered uniform?

Over small distances much less than the Earth's radius.

What is the gravitational force equation for an object of mass m in a gravitational field?

F = mg, where g is the gravitational field strength.

What is the trajectory followed by a small mass in a gravitational field called?

A field line or line of force.

What is meant by the term 'unsupported' for an object falling freely?

The object is acted on by the force of gravity alone.