Gravitational Field
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A gravitational field is the region around a massive object which will affect another object with mass.
About Gravitational Fields
- Very large objects such as moons, planets and stars are needed to make a noticeable gravitational field.
- The gravitational field strength of a moon, planet or star determines the weight of an object in that gravitational field.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A gravitational field is the region around a massive object which will affect another object with mass.
About Gravitational Fields
- Very large objects such as moons, planets and stars are needed to make a noticeable gravitational field.
- The gravitational field strength of a moon, planet or star determines the weight of an object in that gravitational field.
References
AQA
- Gravitational fields, page 204, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Gravitational fields, pages 12, 52, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Gravitational fields, pages 26, 129, 130, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Physics, CGP, AQA
- Gravitational fields, pages 27, 149, 150, 170, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA
Key Stage 5
Meaning
A gravitational field is the region around a massive object which will affect another object with mass.
About Gravitational Fields
- The gravitational field cause by an object is represented by field lines.
- The field lines for a gravitational field around a single isolated object are generally radial. However, for very large spherical objects the field lines can be approximated as uniform for small regions close to the surface of that object. This is due to the gradual curvature of objects with large radius.