SAMPLE LESSONS > A LEVEL GRAVITATIONAL FIELD
G POTENTIAL
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WORKED EXAMPLES
EASY 1
A mass m is at fixed point Q. It produces a gravitational potential at point P, distant r from Q.

This gravitational potential is equal to the external work done on unit mass in moving it
A |
from P to Q |
C |
from P to infinity |
B |
from Q to P |
D |
from infinity to P |
Answer
EASY 2
The Earth has a mass of 5.97 ×1024 kg and a radius of 6370 km. What is the difference in gravitational potential between the Earth’s surface and a point at an altitude of 3000 km?

Answer
MEDIUM 1
The figure below shows the gravitational potential near the surface of the asteroid 951 Gaspra. Determine the mass of the asteroid.
A |
1.00 x 1016 kg |
B |
2.00 x 1016 kg |
C |
3.00 x 1016 kg |
D |
4.00 x 1016 kg |
Answer
MEDIUM 2
A satellite of mass m is moved from a circular orbit of radius r1 around the Earth to a new circular orbit of radius r2 as shown.
The mass of the Earth is M and the gravitational constant is G.
What is the increase in the potential energy of the satellite?

Answer
MEDIUM 3
A satellite of mass 50 kg moves from a point where the gravitational potential due to the Earth is -20 MJ kg-1, to another point where the gravitational potential is -60 MJ kg-1.
In which direction does the satellite move and what is its change in potential energy?
A |
closer to the Earth and a loss of 2000 MJ of potential energy |
B |
closer to the Earth and a loss of 40 MJ of potential energy |
C |
further from the Earth and a gain of 2000 MJ of potential energy |
D |
further from the Earth and a gain of 40 MJ of potential energy |
Answer
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