This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre. A satellite is put into an orbit at this height. State the centripetal acceleration of the satellite.

According to graph gravitational field strength g is maximum on the surface of earth. ∵ Earth gravitational field g = G M R 2 ∴ g at height equal to 2 R = G M 3 R 2 = G M 9 R 2 = g 9 . For centripetal acceleration of satellite on height 2 R from the surface of earth is equal to gravitational acceleration. ∴ a = g 9 .

This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre. Calculate the speed at which the satellite must travel to remain in this orbit.

According to graph gravitational field strength g is maximum on the surface of earth. ∵ Earth gravitational field g = G M R 2 ∴ g ' at height equal to 2 R = G M 3 R 2 = G M 9 R 2 = g 9 . For centripetal acceleration of satellite on height 2 R from the surface of earth is equal to gravitational acceleration. ∴ a = g 9 . Speed of satellite v = a R = 2 × 6400000 × 9 . 81 9 = 1181 m / s .

This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre. Suggest and explain why there is not a continuous bombardment of old satellites colliding with the Earth.

According to graph gravitational field strength g is maximum on the surface of earth. ∵ Earth gravitational field g = G M R 2 ∴ g ' at height equal to 2 R = G M 3 R 2 = G M 9 R 2 = g 9 . Work done against friction in the atmosphere causes heating causing satellite to ‘burn up’.

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IMPORTANT

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This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre.

Determine the gravitational field strength at a height equal to $2 R$ above the Earth's surface, where $R$ is the radius of the Earth.

Important Questions on Gravitational Fields

MEDIUM

AS and A Level

IMPORTANT

Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 17 - Gravitational Fields>Questions>Q 3

Mount Everest is approximately

9.0 km

high. Estimate how much less a mountaineer of mass

100 kg

(including backpack) would weigh at its summit, compared to her weight at sea level. Would this difference be measurable with bathroom scales?

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AS and A Level

IMPORTANT

Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 17 - Gravitational Fields>Questions>Q 4

Calculate the gravitational field strength close to the surface of the Moon.

MEDIUM

AS and A Level

IMPORTANT

Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 17 - Gravitational Fields>Questions>Q 4

Calculate the gravitational field strength close to the surface of the Sun.

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AS and A Level

IMPORTANT

Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 17 - Gravitational Fields>Questions>Q 4

Suggest how your answers help to explain why the Moon has only a thin atmosphere, while the Sun has a dense atmosphere.

MEDIUM

AS and A Level

IMPORTANT

Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 17 - Gravitational Fields>EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS>Q 13

This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre.

Question Image

A satellite is put into an orbit at this height. State the centripetal acceleration of the satellite.

MEDIUM

AS and A Level

IMPORTANT

Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 17 - Gravitational Fields>EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS>Q 13

This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre.

Question Image

Calculate the speed at which the satellite must travel to remain in this orbit.

EASY

AS and A Level

IMPORTANT

Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 17 - Gravitational Fields>EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS>Q 13

This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre.

Question Image

Frictional forces mean that the satellite gradually slows down after it has achieved a circular orbit. Draw a diagram of the initial circular orbital path of the satellite, and show the resulting orbit as frictional forces slow the satellite down.

EASY

AS and A Level

IMPORTANT

Physics for Cambridge International AS & A Level Coursebook 3rd Edition Digital Access>Chapter 17 - Gravitational Fields>EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS>Q 13

This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre.

Question Image

Suggest and explain why there is not a continuous bombardment of old satellites colliding with the Earth.

This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre. Determine the gravitational field strength at a height equal to 2R above the Earth's surface, where R is the radius of the Earth.

Important Questions on Gravitational Fields

Learn and Prepare for any exam you want !

This diagram shows the variation of the Earth's gravitational field strength with distance from its centre.

Determine the gravitational field strength at a height equal to $2 R$ above the Earth's surface, where $R$ is the radius of the Earth.