The Earth's field isn't really uniform but it's close enough when we are near the surface.
We often make simplifications like this, which is ok providing we don't forget the limitations.
Field strength and field lines
Watch the field lines become uniform as we zoom in on the radial field. In a uniform field, gravitational field strength is constant.
Use quizzes to practise application of theory.
START QUIZ!
Which units are acceptable for measuring gravitational field strength
Field strength is force per unit mass F/m which is the same as the unit for acceleration
The field strength close to a planet is 15 Nkg-1.
The acceleration of a 5 kg mass released close to the surface of the planet is:
g= F/m which is the same as acceleration
The acceleration of a body close to the Earth is:
g depends on height but for small distances we assume it to be constant
The rotation of the earth causes g to be different at the poles and equator.
The diagram represents a gravitational field.
Which point has maximum field strength?
Field strength is related to line density
Two balls dropped from a height of 100 km from the Earth will:
How much of Uniform fields have you understood?
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