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

RM
Answered by River M. Physics tutor

2216 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Draw the I-V curves of both an ideal resistor and a filament bulb. Explain the key features of both.


Why is an object that moves in a circular path accelerating when it has constant speed?


State Ohm's Law and the main characteristics of ohmic conductors, giving examples


A uniform plank of wood of mass 32 kg and length 4.0 m is used to cross a ditch. In the ditch is a rock, which is used to support the plank horizontally 0.80 m from one end. The other end is supported by the bank. Calculate the rock's supporting force.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning