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

2110 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how the strong nuclear force between nucleons varies with seperation of the nucleons.


Asteroid of mass 10^16 kg is travelling in the equatorial plane of Earth. It hits the surface at 45°. After the impact the day shortens by 1% (15 mins). How fast was the asteroid - comment? Neglect effects of atmosphere. Consider only inelastic collision.


What is the equivalence principle of General Relativity and what does it mean?


How does having a rotating plate in a microwave help food to be heated eavenly?


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