What are the similarities and differences between gravitational and electric fields?

Both gravitational and electric field obey inverse square laws (e.g. F(grav)=GMm/r^2 and F(electric)=kq1q2/r^2 where GMm and kq1q2 are constants). They both act between two bodies without any means of contact. However gravitational force acts on mass while the electric force acts on charge. Gravitational force are only attractive while electric field can be attractive/repulsive. Electric field is much stronger than gravitational field.

Answered by Physics tutor

84809 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

what would be the mass required to keep an object with a mass of 250kg orbiting at a constant distance of 100km with a linear velocity of 100m/s?


A geostationary satellite is orbiting Earth, a) What is meant by a geostationary orbit? b) Calculate the height at which the satellite orbits above the surface of the Earth. The radius of the Earth is 6400km and its mass is 6x10^24 kg.


What are the main differences between magnetic and electric fields?


An object with weight w is suspended from two strings at angles θ1 and θ2 to the vertical and with tensions T1 and T2. How would you resolve the vertical and horizontal forces?


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