HSC Physics Core Module 1 Space

1. The Earth has a gravitational field that exerts a force on objects both on
it and around it.

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

Gravity is a force of attraction that exists between any two objects. Usually this is
a very small, if not negligible force. However, when one or both of the masses is
as large as a planet, then the force becomes very significant. The force of
attraction between Earth and our own bodes is the force we call our weight. This
force exists wherever we are on or near the Earths surface. Thus we can say that
a gravitational field exists around the Earth.
The Law of Universal Gravitation
In an attempt to explain the forces that govern the motion of the planets around
the sun, Newton proposed the law of Universal Gravitation:
There exists an attractive force called Gravitational force between any two
objects. The gravitational force is proportional to the masses of the objects and
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the two objects.
Of course, in reality, there may be more than two objects involved in applying a
gravitational force.
Note:
d
M1
M2
d and r can both be
used for a centre to
centre distance
F M1M2
F M1M2 / d2
2
F 1/d

F = G [m1 m2 / d2]
F = Gravitational force (N)
M1M2 = Masses of Objects involved (kg)
d or r = Centre to centre distance (m)
Note: G is the universal gravitational constant and is equal to:
G = 6.67 x 1011 N m2 kg2
Note: that this is always an attractive force and is exerted equally on both
masses. It depends only upon the value of the two masses and their separation
distance.
Further Note: Force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.
Hence, in any given situation, if the distance were to double, the value of the
force would drop one quarter of its previous value.

d2

Keplers 3rd Law

The Force acting on an object as it revolves around a mass is given by the
centripedal force formula:
Centripedal Force
Fc = m v2/ R
Where R is the orbital radius (centre to centre distance between the masses).
FG = G [m M / R2]

m v2/ R = G [m M / R2]
v2 = G [ M / R ]

Note:
m refers to the mass of
the revolving object
(ie. Smaller mass)
M refers to the mass of
the larger object

But the velocity of the object is equal to the distance traveled over the time taken
v = 2R/t

G [ M / R ] = [ 2R/t ]2
Equating this we get Keplers 3rd Law:

R3 / t2 = G M / 42 = Constant

Meaning of the Law:

R13 / t12= R23 / t22 = R33 / t32 = = Constant

In our solar system:

R3

Planets

Gradient:

G M / 42

t2

What is a Gravitational Field?

A Gravitational Field is a field (or a region of space) around a mass within
which any other mass will experience a gravitational force. The field has both
strength and direction.
Gravitational strength (g) is a number used to indicate the strength of the
gravitational field at a particular point within the field.

The gravitational field of a planet or

star extends some distance from it.
The figure to the left shows the Earths
Gravitational field.
Note that closer to Earth; the field
lines are closer together. This indicates
that the field, and its force, are
stronger in this region.

Earth

Any large object near the Earth, such

as the moon, will have a gravitational
field of its own, and the two fields
combine to form a more complex field.
The gravitational attraction of the
Earth and that of the moon are
precisely equal but
in opposite
direction.
Gravitation Field round The Earth and the Moon:

A field vector is a single vector that describes the strength and direction of a
uniform vector field. For a gravitational field, the field vector is g, which is defined
in this way:
g=F/m
Where: F = Force exerted (N) on mass m Vector Quantity
m = mass (kg) in the field
g = the field vector (N kg1) Vector Quantity
Note: A net force applied to a mass will cause it to accelerate. (F = ma)
Hence, it can be said that the field vector, g, also represents the acceleration due
to gravity. The Law of Universal Gravitation says that the force of attraction
between the Earth and an object on the Earths surface is given by:
F = G [me mo / Re2]
Where:
me= Mass of the Earth = 5.97 x 1024 kg
mo = Mass of the object in kg
Re = Radius of the Earth = 6.38 x 106 m

Variations in the value of g

Variations with geographical location:
-

The Earths crust (or lithosphere) shows variations in thickness and

structure due to factors such as tectonic plate boundaries and mineral
deposits, these can slightly alter the value of g
The Earth in not a perfect sphere, rather it is flattened at the poles.
Thus the poles are closer to the Earths core, thus the value of g will be
greater at the poles.
The rotational affect of the Earth results in a centrifugal effect that
reduces the effective value of g. The effect is greatest at the equator
and there is no effect at the poles.

Variations with altitude:

-

As we increase the altitude, the value will decrease:

g = G [ M / (R + altitude)2

Note: as the altitude increases the value of g decreases, dropping to zero

only when the altitude has an infinite value.
Variations with Planetary Bodies
-

The formula for g shows that the value of g depends upon the mass
and radius of the central body. Other planets and natural satellites
(moons) have a variety of masses and radii, so that value of g
elsewhere in our solar system can be quite different from that on
Earth.

Weight:
Weight is defined as the force on a mass due to the gravitational field of a large
celestial body, such as the Earth. Since it is a force, it is measured in newtons.
We can use newtons second law to define a simple formula for weight:
Newtons second law states that:
F = ma
Hence:

W = mg

Where W = weight (N)

m = mass (kg)
g = acceleration due to gravity at that place (m s-2)

Practical:
Measuring Acceleration due to gravity
A simple pendulum can be used to measure the acceleration due to gravity.
Measure the length (L in cm) and period (T in sec) of a simple pendulum and use:
g = 42 L / T2
to calculate the acceleration due to gravity. You should use a small displacement
because this equation can only be accurate for a swing of less than 10 degrees.
By timing for ten complete oscillations and dividing by ten, errors in timing the
period can be minimised. Doing this several times and taking the average will
further minimise errors.
Friction in the pendulum and the difficulty of measuring the centre of mass of the
bob may also cause small errors in your result.