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

2102 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A cylindrical rod of radius 7mm and Young’s Modulus 70 GPa has a weight F applied to it. The material experiences a strain of 0.2%. What force has been applied?


A student heats a bar of chocolate in the microwave for one minute. When they remove the bar they observe that there are patches of melted chocolate with unmelted chocolate between them. Suggest the mechanism of how this happens.


Using Newton's law of universal gravitation, show that T^2 is proportional to r^3 (where T is the orbital period of a planet around a star, and r is the distance between them).


Describe and explain the vertical motion of a parachutist which jumps out of an aeroplane at time t=0 and then releases the parachute shortly after reaching terminal velocity at time t=T. (Assume air resistance is not negligible).


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