Massive objects like planets create noticeable gravitational fields in the space that surround them. Other masses, interacting with these fields, are pulled inwards towards the planet. The strength of such fields at any given location is directly proportional to the mass of the planet and inversely proportional to the square of the distance of that location to the planet's center.
Gravitational Field Strength - Questions 5 Help
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There are three similar versions of this question. Here is one of those versions:
Version 1:
Three locations – A, B, and C - are shown. Each has a different set of gravitational conditions. The relative planet mass (expressed in terms of M) and the relative distance of each location from the planet's center (expressed in terms of R) are shown. Rank the three locations according to their gravitational field strength.
You are given three locations, all a different distance from a different planet. The furthest distance (2R) is two times further than the nearest distance (R). The planets have different mass, with the biggest mass (3M) being three times the smallest mass (M). You must rank the gravitational field strength (g) for the three locations. To do so you must understand how g depends upon planet mass (Mplanet) and distance (d).
The relationship between the gravitational field strength (g) and the variables that affect it is given by the following porportionality:
Since both planet mass and distance vary for the three locations, you must include both variables in your ranking considerations. The proportionality states that g will be greatest for planets with the greatest mass. It also states that g will be smallest for locations with the greatest distance. That is, gravitational field strength is inversely proportional to distance squared. Combining the two effects would lead to the conclusion that a calculation of the M/d2 ratio is the only means for comparing the strength of the gravitational fields for these three locations.
So the answer demands that the following ratios be calculated and compared:
0.5•M/(R)2, 2•M/(R)2, M/(2•R)2
So organize yourself, perform the calculations, and then rank the three locations based on a comparison of the calculated results.
Try this link to The Physics Classroom Tutorial for more help with understanding gravitational field strength:
The Value of g