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

Gravitational field of a point mass — practice question

(a)[1]

Define what is meant by gravitational field strength.

(b)[2]

Explain why, for small changes in vertical position of a point mass near the Earth’s surface, the gravitational field strength can be treated as constant.

(c)[5]

Earth’s orbit around the Sun is approximately circular, with a radius of $1.5 \times 10^{8}\,\text{km}$. The orbital period is $365$ days. Determine a value for the mass $M$ of the Sun. Explain your working.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: force divided by mass

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