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

Gravitational field of a point mass — practice question

A single spherical planet has a diameter of $6.8 \times 10^{6}\,\text{m}$. Its mass of $6.4 \times 10^{23}\,\text{kg}$ may be treated as a point mass concentrated at the planet’s centre.
(a)[2]

Show that the gravitational field strength at the planet’s surface is $3.7\,\text{N kg}^{-1}$.

(b)[3]

A stone of mass $2.4\,\text{kg}$ is lifted from the planet’s surface through a vertical distance of $1800\,\text{m}$. Use the field strength from (a) to find the change in gravitational potential energy of the stone. Explain your working.

(c)

A rock, starting from rest at infinity, travels towards the planet. At point $P$, its height above the surface of the planet is $3.5D$, where $D$ is the diameter of the planet, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 5-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $g=\dfrac{GM}{R^2}$

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI