Energy of an Orbiting Satellite An orbiting satellite follows a circular path around a planet Just like an object moving in circular motion, it has both kinetic energy (KE) and gravitational...
Circular Orbits in Gravitational Fields Since most planets and satellites have a near circular orbit, the gravitational force FG between the Sun and another planet provides the centripetal f...
Work Done on a Mass When a mass is moved against the force of gravity, work is done The work done in moving a mass m is given by: ∆W = m∆V Where: ∆W = change in work done (J) m = mass (kg) ∆...
Graphical Representation of Gravitational Potential Gravitational field strength, gand the gravitational potential,V can be graphically represented against the distance from the centre of a ...
Calculating Gravitational Potential The equation for gravitational potential V is defined by the mass M and distance r: Where: V = gravitational potential (J kg-1) G = Newton’s gravitational...
Gravitational Potential The gravitational potential energy (G.P.E) is the energy an object has when lifted off the ground given by the familiar equation: G.P.E = mgΔh The G.P.E on the surfac...
Gravitational Field Strength in a Radial Field The gravitational field strength, g at a point describes how strong or weak a gravitational field is at that point g in a radial field (such as...
Newton's Law of Gravitation The gravitational force between two bodies outside a uniform field, e.g. between the Earth and the Sun, is defined by Newton’s Law of Gravitation Recall that the ...
Gravitational Field Lines The direction of a gravitational field is represented by gravitational field lines The gravitational field lines around a point mass are radially inwards The gravit...
