(a) Define gravitational field. (b) A spherical planet can be considered as a point mass at its centre. (i) On Fig. 1.1, draw gravitational field lines outside the planet to represent the gravitational field due to the planet. (ii) A satellite is in a circular orbit around the planet. Explain, with reference to your answer in (b)(i), why the path of the satellite is circular. (c) An object rests on the surface of the Earth at the Equator. The radius of the Earth is $6.4…

Physics 9702/42 — October/November 2022

Cambridge A-Level · A Level Structured Questions · worked solutions for every part, with the mark scheme

questions

100

marks

120

minutes

Topics Temperature · Magnetic Fields · Quantum Physics · Gravitational Fields · Motion in a Circle · Thermodynamics · +7 more

Q1Gravitational FieldsMotion in a CircleFree sample

(a)

Define gravitational field.

(b)

A spherical planet can be considered as a point mass at its centre.

(i)

On Fig. 1.1, draw gravitational field lines outside the planet to represent the gravitational field due to the planet.

Fig. 1.1

(ii)

A satellite is in a circular orbit around the planet.

Explain, with reference to your answer in (b)(i), why the path of the satellite is circular.

(c)

An object rests on the surface of the Earth at the Equator.
The radius of the Earth is $6.4 \times 10^6\ \text{m}$ .

(i)

Determine the centripetal acceleration of the object.

centripetal acceleration = ______ $\text{m s}^{-2}$

(ii)

Describe how the two forces acting on the object give rise to this centripetal acceleration.
You may draw a diagram if you wish.

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