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

Gravitational field of a point mass — practice question

(a(i))[2]

State Newton’s law of gravitation in words.

(a(ii))[2]

Use Newton’s law of gravitation to demonstrate that the gravitational field strength $g$ at a distance $r$ from a point mass $M$ is $g = \frac{GM}{r^2}$.

(b)

The Earth has a mass of $5.98 \times 10^{24}\,\text{kg}$ and a radius of $6.37 \times 10^6\,\text{m}$. The Moon has a mass of $7.35 \times 10^{22}\,\text{kg}$ and a radius of $1.74 \times 10^6\,\text{m}$. The Earth and the Moon can both be treated as point masses at their centres. Their centres are separated by $3.84 \times 10^8\,\text{m}$.

(b(i))[1]

Show that the gravitational field strength at the Moon’s surface due to the Moon’s mass is $1.62\,\text{N kg}^{-1}$.

(b(ii))[2]

Explain why there is a point $X$ on the line between the centres of the Earth and the Moon where the resultant gravitational field strength due to the Earth and the Moon is zero.

(b(iii))[3]

Calculate the distance $x$ of point $X$ from the centre of the Moon.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Gravitational force is (directly) proportional to the product of the masses

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