By considering Newton's second law and his law of gravitation, derive an expression for gravitational field strength g in terms of its mass, m, the distance from its center of mass, r, and the gravitational constant, G.

Newton's second law of motion is F = ma and his law of gravitation is F= GMm/r^2.g is the acceleration of free fall and can be substituted for a, F = mg.We can therefore see that g = F/m and can use that to manipulate Newton's law of gravitation.g = GM/r^2

Answered by River M. Physics tutor

1622 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A rocket travels with constant velocity in a straight line in deep space. A ball is thrown from the back to the front (ie from the thrusters to the nose). Describe the path of the ball. Describe the path if the rocket were accelerating along this line.


"An inclined plane at an angle of 25 degrees to the horizontal has a pulley at its top. A 30kg block on the plane is connected to a freely hanging 20kg block by means of a cord passing over the pulley. From rest how far will the 20kg block fall in 2s?


How does the photoelectric effect (gold leaf experiment) demonstrate the particle nature of light?


Is F=ma Newton's 2nd Laws of Motion?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences