Which of the following correctly describes the gravitational field strength at a
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following correctly describes the gravitational field strength at a distance r from a mass M?
g = GM/r
g = GM/r²
g = Gm/r²
g = Gm/r
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following correctly describes the gravitational field strength at a distance r from a mass M?
Correct Answer: g = GM/r²
Step 1: Understand that gravitational field strength (g) is a measure of the force of gravity experienced by an object at a certain distance from a mass.
Step 2: Identify the variables in the formula: G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass creating the gravitational field, and r is the distance from the mass.
Step 3: Recognize that the formula for gravitational field strength is g = GM/r², which means g is directly proportional to the mass (M) and inversely proportional to the square of the distance (r).
Step 4: Remember that as you move further away from the mass (increasing r), the gravitational field strength (g) decreases.