3.1 Gravitational Fields

When describing gravitational field strength, we can use

• N/kg

• m/s²

• both

• neither

When visualizing gravitational field strength, we know that it is stronger in some places because

• the gravitational field lines are longer

• the gravitational field lines are shorter

• the gravitational field lines are further apart

• the gravitational field lines are closer together

True or false? Gravitational fields only act on places that have objects there

• True

• False

Why would we experience less of a gravitational pull toward Earth when standing on a very tall mountain?

• We are further away from the center of the Earth

• Air is less dense at that altitude

• The gravitational field lines are closer together

• We have greater gravitational potential energy

In which of these locations would we feel the weakest gravitational pull from Earth?

• In the mall

• In a space station orbiting Earth

• In a castle in the sky

• On a tall mountain

If you are trying to get somewhere, can gravitational field lines "get in your way?"

• Yes

• No

g = Gm/r² describes the magnitude of a gravitational field. In which direction does the field act?

• away from the mass in the equation (push)

• toward the mass in the equation (pull)

• toward the 4th dimension

• toward the Earth

Select all that apply. When on the surface of Earth, we only consider g = GM/r² = 9.8 N/m. This is because

• the Earth is the only mass that is generating a gravitational field

• the Earth generates a gravitational field that is approximately 9.8 N/m

• every mass that we see generates a gravitational field, pulling us toward them, but are much smaller and negligible compared to the gravitational field of Earth

• Mars has a gravitational field strength of 0.375 N/m near its surface

We experience gravitational fields due to

• masses around us

• charges around us

• colors around us

• heat around us