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 the gravitational field strength may be taken as constant for changes in vertical position of a point mass near the Earth’s surface.

(c)[5]

The Earth’s path around the Sun is nearly circular, with a radius of $1.5 \times 10^8\,\text{km}$. Its orbital period is $365$ days. Find a value for the mass $M$ of the Sun. Show 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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