Physics: Space

Resource Description

Notes on SPACE,

1.1 Define weight as the force on an object due to a gravitational field:

• When an object comes in the vicinity of a larger mass such as a planet the larger mass exerts a force on that object
• This force is a gravitational force exerted due to the gravitational field surrounding the object and is defined as Weight
• Thus Weight is the force on an object due to a gravitational field
• Formula: W = mg

   

  • W = Weight force (N)

     

  • m = Mass (kg)
    
  • g = Acceleration due to gravity (ms^-2)

1.2 Define gravitational potential energy as the work done to move an object from a very large distance away to a point in a gravitational field:

• Gravitational Potential Energy is the energy of a mass due to its position within a gravitational field
• On a larger scale it is defined as the work done to move an object from infinity to a point within a gravitational field
• At infinity the gravitational potential energy is zero and decreases as a mass gets closer to the centre of a gravitational fiel