Representing Gravitational Fields

• How is the direction of a gravitational field represented?

  By gravitational field lines
• What is the direction of gravitational field lines around a point mass?

  Radially inwards
• How are gravitational field lines represented in a uniform field?

  By equally spaced parallel lines

  
• What do the gravitational field lines on the Earth's surface represent?

  A uniform gravitational field

  
• What are the characteristics of radial fields?

  • Considered non-uniform fields
  • Gravitational field strength varies with distance
• What is the gravitational field strength denoted by?


  g
• How does gravitational field strength change with distance from the center of mass?

  It varies depending on the distance
• What defines a uniform sphere in terms of mass distribution?

  • Mass is distributed evenly throughout

  
• How can the mass of a uniform sphere be treated from outside?

  As a point mass at its center
• How do the gravitational field lines around a uniform sphere compare to those around a point mass?

  They are identical

  
• When can an object be regarded as a point mass?

  • Covers a large distance compared to its size
  • Size or dimensions can be neglected
• What are the characteristics of radial fields in terms of gravitational field strength?

  • Considered non-uniform fields
  • Gravitational field strength varies with distance from center
• What should always be labeled on gravitational field lines?

  The arrows on the field lines
• What type of forces do gravitational forces represent?

  Attractive forces only
• In a radial field, where do the gravitational forces point?

  Towards the center of the sphere
• In a uniform field, where do the gravitational forces point?

  Towards the surface of the object