Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Gravitational field of a point mass

Gravitational field of a point mass — practice question

(a)[1]

Define the term gravitational field strength.

(b(i))[2]

A spherical comet with radius $3.6\,\text{km}$ has a mass of approximately $1.0 \times 10^{13}\,\text{kg}$. If the comet is assumed to have constant density, calculate the gravitational field strength at its surface.

(b(ii))[2]

A probe with a weight of $960\,\text{N}$ on Earth lands on the comet. Using your answer in (i), determine the probe’s weight on the surface of the comet.

(b)

The mass of a spherical comet with radius $3.6\,\text{km}$ is about $1.0 \times 10^{13}\,\text{kg}$.

(c)[2]

A second comet has an approximate length of $4.5\,\text{km}$ and an approximate width of $2.6\,\text{km}$. Its shape is shown in Fig. 1.1. Suggest one similarity and one difference between the gravitational fields at the surface of this comet and at the surface of the comet in (b).

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