Gravitational Field

1 JUNE 2003

1 (a) Define gravitational potential.

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(b) Explain why values of gravitational potential near to an isolated mass are all negative.

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(c) The Earth may be assumed to be an isolated sphere of radius 6.4 × 103 km with its mass
of 6.0 × 1024 kg concentrated at its centre. An object is projected vertically from the
surface of the Earth so that it reaches an altitude of 1.3 × 104 km.

Calculate, for this object,

(i) the change in gravitational potential,

change in potential = ……………………………………. J kg–1

(ii) the speed of projection from the Earth’s surface, assuming air resistance is
negligible.

speed = ……………………………………. m s–1

[5]
(d) Suggest why the equation

v 2 = u 2 + 2as

is not appropriate for the calculation in (c)(ii).

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..................................................................................................................................... [1]
2 NOVEMBER 2003

(a) (i) On Fig. 1.1, draw lines to represent the gravitational field outside an isolated
uniform sphere.

Fig. 1.1

(ii) A second sphere has the same mass but a smaller radius. Suggest what
difference, if any, there is between the patterns of field lines for the two spheres.

[3]

(b) The Earth may be considered to be a uniform sphere of radius 6380 km with its mass of
5.98 × 1024 kg concentrated at its centre, as illustrated in Fig. 1.2.

mass
5.98 × 1024 kg
Equator

Fig. 1.2

A mass of 1.00 kg on the Equator rotates about the axis of the Earth with a period of
1.00 day (8.64 × 104 s).
 Calculate, to three significant figures,

(i) the gravitational force FG of attraction between the mass and the Earth,

FG = ………….…………………………. N

(ii) the centripetal force FC on the 1.00 kg mass,

FC = …………………….………………. N

(iii) the difference in magnitude of the forces.

difference = …………………………………….. N
[6]

(c) By reference to your answers in (b), suggest, with a reason, a value for the acceleration
of free fall at the Equator.

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3 JUNE 2004

A binary star consists of two stars that orbit about a fixed point C, as shown in Fig. 3.1.

R2
C
M1 M2

R1

Fig. 3.1

The star of mass M1 has a circular orbit of radius R1 and the star of mass M2 has a circular
orbit of radius R2. Both stars have the same angular speed ω, about C.

(a) State the formula, in terms of G, M1, M2, R1, R2 and ω for

(i) the gravitational force between the two stars,

...................................................................................................................................

(ii) the centripetal force on the star of mass M1.

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[2]

(b) The stars orbit each other in a time of 1.26 × 108 s (4.0 years). Calculate the angular
speed ω for each star.

angular speed = ................................... rad s–1 [2]

(c) (i) Show that the ratio of the masses of the stars is given by the expression
M1 R
= 2.
M2 R1

[2]

M1
(ii) The ratio is equal to 3.0 and the separation of the stars is 3.2 × 1011 m.
M2
Calculate the radii R1 and R2.

R1 = ........................................ m

R2 = ........................................ m
[2]

(d) (i) By equating the expressions you have given in (a) and using the data calculated in
(b) and (c), determine the mass of one of the stars.

mass of star = ......................................... kg

(ii) State whether the answer in (i) is for the more massive or for the less massive star.

...................................................................................................................................
[4]
4 JUNE 2005

The orbit of the Earth, mass 6.0 × 1024 kg, may be assumed to be a circle of radius
1.5 × 1011 m with the Sun at its centre, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.

Earth,
mass 6.0 x 1024 kg

Sun

1.5 x 1011 m

Fig. 1.1

The time taken for one orbit is 3.2 × 107 s.

(a) Calculate

(i) the magnitude of the angular velocity of the Earth about the Sun,

angular velocity = ............................... rad s–1 [2]

(ii) the magnitude of the centripetal force acting on the Earth.

force = ....................................... N [2]

(b) (i) State the origin of the centripetal force calculated in (a)(ii).

...................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) Determine the mass of the Sun.

mass = ..................................... kg [3]

5 NOVEMBER 2005

The Earth may be considered to be a sphere of radius 6.4 × 106 m with its mass of
6.0 × 1024 kg concentrated at its centre.
A satellite of mass 650 kg is to be launched from the Equator and put into geostationary
orbit.

(a) Show that the radius of the geostationary orbit is 4.2 × 107 m.

[3]

(b) Determine the increase in gravitational potential energy of the satellite during its launch
from the Earth’s surface to the geostationary orbit.

energy = ………………………………... J [4]

(c) Suggest one advantage of launching satellites from the Equator in the direction of
rotation of the Earth.

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......................................................................................................................................[1]
6 JUNE 2006

The Earth may be considered to be a uniform sphere with its mass M concentrated at its
centre.

A satellite of mass m orbits the Earth such that the radius of the circular orbit is r.

(a) Show that the linear speed v of the satellite is given by the expression

⎛GM⎞
v = √⎝ r ⎠.

[2]

(b) For this satellite, write down expressions, in terms of G, M, m and r, for
(i) its kinetic energy,

kinetic energy = …………………………. [1]

(ii) its gravitational potential energy,

potential energy = …………………………. [1]

(iii) its total energy.

total energy = …………………………. [2]

(c) The total energy of the satellite gradually decreases.

State and explain the effect of this decrease on

(i) the radius r of the orbit,

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.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii) the linear speed v of the satellite.

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7 JUNE 2007

(a) Explain what is meant by a gravitational field.

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(b) A spherical planet has mass M and radius R. The planet may be considered to have all
its mass concentrated at its centre.
A rocket is launched from the surface of the planet such that the rocket moves radially
away from the planet. The rocket engines are stopped when the rocket is at a height R
above the surface of the planet, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

R 2R

planet
R

Fig. 1.1

The mass of the rocket, after its engines have been stopped, is m.

(i) Show that, for the rocket to travel from a height R to a height 2R above the planet’s
surface, the change ΔEP in the magnitude of the gravitational potential energy of
the rocket is given by the expression

GMm
ΔEP = .
6R

[2]
 (ii) During the ascent from a height R to a height 2R, the speed of the rocket changes
from 7600 m s–1 to 7320 m s–1. Show that, in SI units, the change ΔEK in the kinetic
energy of the rocket is given by the expression

ΔEK = (2.09 × 106)m.

[1]

(c) The planet has a radius of 3.40 × 106 m.

(i) Use the expressions in (b) to determine a value for the mass M of the planet.

M = …………………………… kg [2]

(ii) State one assumption made in the determination in (i).

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............................................................................................................................. [1]
8 NOVEMBER 2008

A spherical planet has mass M and radius R.

The planet may be assumed to be isolated in space and to have its mass concentrated at its
centre.
The planet spins on its axis with angular speed ω, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.

mass m

equator of
planet

pole of
planet

Fig. 1.1

A small object of mass m rests on the equator of the planet. The surface of the planet exerts
a normal reaction force on the mass.

(a) State formulae, in terms of M, m, R and ω, for

(i) the gravitational force between the planet and the object,

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) the centripetal force required for circular motion of the small mass,

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(iii) the normal reaction exerted by the planet on the mass.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) (i) Explain why the normal reaction on the mass will have different values at the
equator and at the poles.

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 (ii) The radius of the planet is 6.4 × 106 m. It completes one revolution in 8.6 × 104 s.
Calculate the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration at

1. the equator,

acceleration = .........................................m s–2 [2]

2. one of the poles.

acceleration = .........................................m s–2 [1]

(c) Suggest two factors that could, in the case of a real planet, cause variations in the
acceleration of free fall at its surface.

1. ......................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

2. ......................................................................................................................................

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[2]
9 JUNE 2009

(a) Define gravitational field strength.

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.................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) A spherical planet has diameter 1.2 × 104 km. The gravitational field strength at the
surface of the planet is 8.6 N kg–1.
The planet may be assumed to be isolated in space and to have its mass concentrated
at its centre.
Calculate the mass of the planet.

mass = .......................................... kg [3]

(c) The gravitational potential at a point X above the surface of the planet in (b) is
– 5.3 × 107 J kg–1.
For point Y above the surface of the planet, the gravitational potential is
– 6.8 × 107 J kg–1.

(i) State, with a reason, whether point X or point Y is nearer to the planet.

..................................................................................................................................

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............................................................................................................................ [2]

(ii) A rock falls radially from rest towards the planet from one point to the other.
Calculate the final speed of the rock.

speed = ...................................... m s–1 [2]

10 NOVEMBER 2009

(a) State Newton’s law of gravitation.

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.................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) The Earth may be considered to be a uniform sphere of radius R equal to 6.4 × 106 m.

A satellite is in a geostationary orbit.

(i) Describe what is meant by a geostationary orbit.

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............................................................................................................................ [3]

(ii) Show that the radius x of the geostationary orbit is given by the expression

gR 2 = x 3ω 2

where g is the acceleration of free fall at the Earth’s surface and ω is the angular
speed of the satellite about the centre of the Earth.

[3]

(iii) Determine the radius x of the geostationary orbit.

radius = ........................................... m [3]

11 NOVEMBER 2009

(a) The Earth may be considered to be a uniform sphere of radius 6.38 × 103 km, with its
mass concentrated at its centre.

(i) Define gravitational field strength.

..................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................ [1]

(ii) By considering the gravitational field strength at the surface of the Earth, show that
the mass of the Earth is 5.99 × 1024 kg.

[2]

(b) The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system that can be used anywhere
on Earth. It uses a number of satellites that orbit the Earth in circular orbits at a distance
of 2.22 × 104 km above its surface.

(i) Use data from (a) to calculate the angular speed of a GPS satellite in its orbit.

angular speed = ..................................... rad s–1 [3]

 (ii) Use your answer in (i) to show that the satellites are not in geostationary orbits.

[3]

(c) The planes of the orbits of the GPS satellites in (b) are inclined at an angle of 55° to the
Equator.

Suggest why the satellites are not in equatorial orbits.

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12 JUNE 2010

(a) Define gravitational potential at a point.

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(b) The Earth may be considered to be an isolated sphere of radius R with its mass
concentrated at its centre.
The variation of the gravitational potential φ with distance x from the centre of the Earth
is shown in Fig. 1.1.

distance x
0 R 2R 3R 4R 5R
0

–2.0

/ 107 J kg–1

–4.0

–6.0

–8.0

Fig. 1.1

The radius R of the Earth is 6.4 × 106 m.

(i) By considering the gravitational potential at the Earth’s surface, determine a value
for the mass of the Earth.

mass = ......................................... kg [3]

(ii) A meteorite is at rest at infinity. The meteorite travels from infinity towards the
Earth.

Calculate the speed of the meteorite when it is at a distance of 2R above the Earth’s
surface. Explain your working.

speed = ..................................... m s–1 [4]

(iii) In practice, the Earth is not an isolated sphere because it is orbited by the Moon, as
illustrated in Fig. 1.2.

initial path
of meteorite
Moon

Earth

Fig. 1.2 (not to scale)

The initial path of the meteorite is also shown.

Suggest two changes to the motion of the meteorite caused by the Moon.

1. ..............................................................................................................................

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2. ..............................................................................................................................

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[2]
13 NOVEMBER 2010

(a) Define gravitational field strength.

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...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) An isolated star has radius R. The mass of the star may be considered to be a point
mass at the centre of the star.
The gravitational field strength at the surface of the star is gs.

On Fig. 1.1, sketch a graph to show the variation of the gravitational field strength of the
star with distance from its centre. You should consider distances in the range R to 4R.

1.0gs

0.8gs
gravitational
field strength 0.6gs

0.4gs

0.2gs

0
R 2R 3R 4R
surface distance
of star

Fig. 1.1
[2]

(c) The Earth and the Moon may be considered to be spheres that are isolated in space
with their masses concentrated at their centres.
The masses of the Earth and the Moon are 6.00 × 1024 kg and 7.40 × 1022 kg
respectively.
The radius of the Earth is RE and the separation of the centres of the Earth and the
Moon is 60 RE, as illustrated in Fig. 1.2.

RE
Moon
mass
Earth 7.40 x 1022 kg
mass
6.00 x 1024 kg

60 RE

Fig. 1.2 (not to scale)

 (i) Explain why there is a point between the Earth and the Moon at which the
gravitational field strength is zero.

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..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii) Determine the distance, in terms of RE, from the centre of the Earth at which the
gravitational field strength is zero.

distance = ...........................................RE [3]

(iii) On the axes of Fig. 1.3, sketch a graph to show the variation of the gravitational
field strength with position between the surface of the Earth and the surface of the
Moon.

gravitational
field strength

0
surface surface distance
of Earth of Moon

Fig. 1.3
[3]
14 NOVEMBER 2010

A planet of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius r about the Sun of mass M, as illustrated in
Fig. 1.1.

planet
mass m
Sun
mass M

Fig. 1.1

The magnitude of the angular velocity and the period of revolution of the planet about the
Sun are x and T respectively.

(a) State

(i) what is meant by angular velocity,

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..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii) the relation between x and T.

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Show that, for a planet in a circular orbit of radius r, the period T of the orbit is given by
the expression

T 2 = cr 3

where c is a constant. Explain your working.

[4]
(c) Data for the planets Venus and Neptune are given in Fig. 1.2.

planet r / 108 km T / years

Venus 1.08 0.615
Neptune 45.0

Fig. 1.2

Assume that the orbits of both planets are circular.

(i) Use the expression in (b) to calculate the value of T for Neptune.

T = ....................................... years [2]

(ii) Determine the linear speed of Venus in its orbit.

speed = ..................................... km s–1 [2]

15 JUNE 2011

(a) Newton’s law of gravitation applies to point masses.

(i) State Newton’s law of gravitation.

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.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii) Explain why, although the planets and the Sun are not point masses, the law also
applies to planets orbiting the Sun.

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.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Gravitational fields and electric fields show certain similarities and certain differences.
State one aspect of gravitational and electric fields where there is

(i) a similarity,

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.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) a difference.

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.............................................................................................................................. [2]
16 JUNE 2011

(a) State what is meant by a field of force.

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.................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Gravitational fields and electric fields are two examples of fields of force.
State one similarity and one difference between these two fields of force.

similarity: ..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

difference: ........................................................................................................................

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[3]

(c) Two protons are isolated in space. Their centres are separated by a distance R.
Each proton may be considered to be a point mass with point charge.
Determine the magnitude of the ratio

force between protons due to electric field

.
force between protons due to gravitational field

ratio = ............................................... [3]

17 NOVEMBER 2011

(a) A moon is in a circular orbit of radius r about a planet. The angular speed of the moon
in its orbit is ω. The planet and its moon may be considered to be point masses that are
isolated in space.

Show that r and ω are related by the expression

r 3ω 2 = constant.

Explain your working.

[3]

(b) Phobos and Deimos are moons that are in circular orbits about the planet Mars.
Data for Phobos and Deimos are shown in Fig. 1.1.

period of rotation
radius of orbit
moon about Mars
/m
/ hours

Phobos 9.39 × 106 7.65

Deimos 1.99 × 107

Fig. 1.1
(i) Use data from Fig. 1.1 to determine

1. the mass of Mars,

mass = ............................................ kg [3]

2. the period of Deimos in its orbit about Mars.

period = ...................................... hours [3]

(ii) The period of rotation of Mars about its axis is 24.6 hours.
Deimos is in an equatorial orbit, orbiting in the same direction as the spin of Mars
about its axis.

Use your answer in (i) to comment on the orbit of Deimos.

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18 JUNE 2012

(a) Define gravitational potential at a point.

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..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) The gravitational potential φ at distance r from point mass M is given by the expression

GM
φ = –
r

where G is the gravitational constant.

Explain the significance of the negative sign in this expression.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) A spherical planet may be assumed to be an isolated point mass with its mass
concentrated at its centre. A small mass m is moving near to, and normal to, the surface
of the planet. The mass moves away from the planet through a short distance h.

State and explain why the change in gravitational potential energy ΔEP of the mass is
given by the expression

ΔEP = mgh

where g is the acceleration of free fall.

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(d) The planet in (c) has mass M and diameter 6.8 × 103 km. The product GM for this planet
is 4.3 × 1013 N m2 kg–1.

A rock, initially at rest a long distance from the planet, accelerates towards the planet.
Assuming that the planet has negligible atmosphere, calculate the speed of the rock as
it hits the surface of the planet.

speed = ....................................... m s–1 [3]

19 JUNE 2012

(a) State Newton’s law of gravitation.

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...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) The Earth and the Moon may be considered to be isolated in space with their masses
concentrated at their centres.
The orbit of the Moon around the Earth is circular with a radius of 3.84 × 105 km. The
period of the orbit is 27.3 days.

Show that

(i) the angular speed of the Moon in its orbit around the Earth is 2.66 × 10–6 rad s–1,

[1]

(ii) the mass of the Earth is 6.0 × 1024 kg.

[2]
(c) The mass of the Moon is 7.4 × 1022 kg.

(i) Using data from (b), determine the gravitational force between the Earth and the
Moon.

force = .............................................. N [2]

(ii) Tidal action on the Earth’s surface causes the radius of the orbit of the Moon to
increase by 4.0 cm each year.

Use your answer in (i) to determine the change, in one year, of the gravitational
potential energy of the Moon. Explain your working.

energy change = ............................................... J [3]

20 NOVEMBER 2012

(a) State Newton’s law of gravitation.

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..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) A satellite of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius r about a planet of mass M.

For this planet, the product GM is 4.00 × 1014 N m2 kg–1, where G is the gravitational
constant.
The planet may be assumed to be isolated in space.

(i) By considering the gravitational force on the satellite and the centripetal force,
show that the kinetic energy EK of the satellite is given by the expression
GMm
EK = .
2r

[2]

(ii) The satellite has mass 620 kg and is initially in a circular orbit of radius 7.34 × 106 m,
as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.

initial
orbit
7.34 × 106 m

7.30 × 106 m

new orbit

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

 Resistive forces cause the satellite to move into a new orbit of radius 7.30 × 106 m.

Determine, for the satellite, the change in

1. kinetic energy,

change in kinetic energy = ............................................. J [2]

2. gravitational potential energy.

change in potential energy = ............................................. J [2]

(iii) Use your answers in (ii) to explain whether the linear speed of the satellite increases,
decreases or remains unchanged when the radius of the orbit decreases.

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.............................................................................................................................. [2]
21 JUNE 2013

(a) State what is meant by a gravitational field.

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...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) In the Solar System, the planets may be assumed to be in circular orbits about the Sun.
Data for the radii of the orbits of the Earth and Jupiter about the Sun are given in
Fig. 1.1.

radius of orbit
/ km
Earth 1.50 × 108
Jupiter 7.78 × 108

Fig. 1.1

(i) State Newton’s law of gravitation.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [3]

(ii) Use Newton’s law to determine the ratio

gravitational field strength due to the Sun at orbit of Earth

.
gravitational field strength due to the Sun at orbit of Jupiter

ratio = ................................................. [3]

(c) The orbital period of the Earth about the Sun is T.

(i) Use ideas about circular motion to show that the mass M of the Sun is given by

4π2R 3
M=
GT 2

where R is the radius of the Earth’s orbit about the Sun and G is the gravitational
constant.
Explain your working.

[3]

(ii) The orbital period T of the Earth about the Sun is 3.16 × 107 s.
The radius of the Earth’s orbit is given in Fig. 1.1.
Use the expression in (i) to determine the mass of the Sun.

mass = ............................................ kg [2]

22 JUNE 2013

(a) Explain what is meant by a geostationary orbit.

..........................................................................................................................................

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..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(b) A satellite of mass m is in a circular orbit about a planet.

The mass M of the planet may be considered to be concentrated at its centre.
Show that the radius R of the orbit of the satellite is given by the expression

冢GMT
4π 冣
2
R3 = 2

where T is the period of the orbit of the satellite and G is the gravitational constant.
Explain your working.

[4]

(c) The Earth has mass 6.0 × 1024 kg. Use the expression given in (b) to determine the
radius of the geostationary orbit about the Earth.

radius = ............................................. m [3]

23 NOVEMBER 2013

(a) Define gravitational potential at a point.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) The Moon may be considered to be an isolated sphere of radius 1.74 × 103 km with its
mass of 7.35 × 1022 kg concentrated at its centre.

(i) A rock of mass 4.50 kg is situated on the surface of the Moon. Show that the change
in gravitational potential energy of the rock in moving it from the Moon’s surface to
infinity is 1.27 × 107 J.

[1]

(ii) The escape speed of the rock is the minimum speed that the rock must be given
when it is on the Moon’s surface so that it can escape to infinity.
Use the answer in (i) to determine the escape speed. Explain your working.

speed = ........................................ m s–1 [2]

(c) The Moon in (b) is assumed to be isolated in space. The Moon does, in fact, orbit the
Earth.
State and explain whether the minimum speed for the rock to reach the Earth from the
surface of the Moon is different from the escape speed calculated in (b).

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...................................................................................................................................... [2]
24 NOVEMBER 2013

(a) State Newton’s law of gravitation.

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..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) A star and a planet are isolated in space. The planet orbits the star in a circular orbit of
radius R, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.

t
planet

star
mass M
R

Fig. 1.1

The angular speed of the planet about the star is ω.

By considering the circular motion of the planet about the star of mass M, show that ω
and R are related by the expression

R 3ω2 = GM

where G is the gravitational constant. Explain your working.

[3]
(c) The Earth orbits the Sun in a circular orbit of radius 1.5 × 108 km. The mass of the Sun
is 2.0 × 1030 kg.
A distant star is found to have a planet that has a circular orbit about the star. The radius
of the orbit is 6.0 × 108 km and the period of the orbit is 2.0 years.

Use the expression in (b) to calculate the mass of the star.

mass = ........................................... kg [3]

25 JUNE 2014

(a) Define gravitational potential at a point.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A stone of mass m has gravitational potential energy EP at a point X in a gravitational field.
The magnitude of the gravitational potential at X is φ.

State the relation between m, EP and φ.

.............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) An isolated spherical planet of radius R may be assumed to have all its mass concentrated at
its centre. The gravitational potential at the surface of the planet is − 6.30 × 107 J kg−1.

A stone of mass 1.30 kg is travelling towards the planet such that its distance from the centre
of the planet changes from 6R to 5R.

Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy of the stone.

change in energy = ..................................................... J [4]

26 JUNE 2014

The mass M of a spherical planet may be assumed to be a point mass at the centre of the planet.

(a) A stone, travelling at speed v, is in a circular orbit of radius r about the planet, as illustrated in
Fig. 1.1.

stone

planet

Fig. 1.1

Show that the speed v is given by the expression

v = 冢 GM
r 冣

where G is the gravitational constant.

Explain your working.

[2]
(b) A second stone, initially at rest at infinity, travels towards the planet, as illustrated in Fig. 1.2.

stone

V0

planet
x

Fig. 1.2 (not to scale)

The stone does not hit the surface of the planet.

(i) Determine, in terms of the gravitational constant G and the mass M of the planet, the
speed V0 of the stone at a distance x from the centre of the planet. Explain your working.
You may assume that the gravitational attraction on the stone is due only to the planet.

[3]

(ii) Use your answer in (i) and the expression in (a) to explain whether this stone could enter
a circular orbit about the planet.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]
27 NOVEMBER 2014

An isolated spherical planet has a diameter of 6.8 × 106 m. Its mass of 6.4 × 1023 kg may be
assumed to be a point mass at the centre of the planet.

(a) Show that the gravitational field strength at the surface of the planet is 3.7 N kg−1.

[2]

(b) A stone of mass 2.4 kg is raised from the surface of the planet through a vertical height of
1800 m.
Use the value of field strength given in (a) to determine the change in gravitational potential
energy of the stone.
Explain your working.

change in energy = ..................................................... J [3]

(c) A rock, initially at rest at infinity, moves towards the planet. At point P, its height above the
surface of the planet is 3.5 D, where D is the diameter of the planet, as shown in Fig. 1.1.

D 3.5 D

path of
P rock
planet

Fig. 1.1
Calculate the speed of the rock at point P, assuming that the change in gravitational potential
energy is all transferred to kinetic energy.

speed = ............................................... m s−1 [4]

1 (a) work done in bringing/moving unit mass ......................................M1
from infinity to the point.......................................................... ...... A1 [2]
(use of 1 kg in the definition – max 1/2)

(b) potential at infinity defined as being zero........................ ............. B1

forces are always attractive.......................................................... B1
so work got out in moving to point...................... .......................... B1 [3]
(max potential is at infinity – allow 1/3)

(c) (i) φ = -GM/R

change = 6.67 x 10-11 x 6.0 x 1024 x({6.4 x 106}-1- {1.94 x 107}-1) .....C2
change = 4.19 x 107 J kg-1 (ignore sign) .........................................A1

(ii) ½mv2 = m φ ................................................................................ C1

v2 = 2 x 4.19 x 107 = 8.38 x 107
v = 9150 m s-1 .............................................................................. A1 [5]

(d) acceleration is not constant.......................................................... B1 [1]

2 (a) (i) radial lines.................................................................................... B1

pointing inwards ........................................................................... B1

(ii) no difference OR lines closer near surface of smaller sphere ...... B1 [3]

(b) (i) FG = GMm/R2.............................................................................. C1

= (6.67 X 10-11 x 5.98 x 1024)/(6380 x 103)2
= 9.80 N ................................................................................. A1

(ii) FC = mRω2 .................................................................................... C1

ω = 2π/T ...................................................................................... C1
FC = (4π2 x 6380 x 103)/8.64 x 104)2
= 0.0337 N............................................................................... A1

(iii) FG - FC = 9.77 N............................................................................ A1 [6]

(c) because acceleration (of free fall) is (resultant) force per unit
mass ....................................................................................... B1
acceleration = 9.77 m s-2 .............................................................. B1 [2]
3 (a) (i) (force) = GM1M2/(R1 + R2)2 B1
(ii) (force) = M1R1 ω 2 or M2R2 ω 2 B1 [2]

(b) ω = 2π/(1.26 x 108) or 2π/T C1

-8 -1
= 4.99 x 10 rad s A1 [2]
allow 2 s.f.: 1.59π x 10-8 scores 1/2

(c) (i) reference to either taking moments (about C) or same (centripetal)

force B1
M1R1 = M2R2 or M1R1 ω 2 = M2R2 ω 2 B1
hence M1/M2 = R2/R1 A0 [2]
(ii) R2 = 3/4 x 3.2 x 1011 m = 2.4 x 1011 m A1
R1 = (3.2 x 1011) – R2 = 8.0 x 1010 m (allow vice versa) A1 [2]
if values are both wrong but have ratio of four to three, then allow
1/2

(d) (i) M2 = {(R1 + R2)2 x R1 x ω 2} I G (any subject for equation) C1

= (3.2 x 1011)2 x 8.0 x 1010 x (4.99 x 10-8)2/(6.67 x 10-11) C1
= 3.06 x 1029 kg A1
(ii) less massive (only award this mark if reasonable attempt at (i)) B1 [4]
(9.17 x 1029 kg for more massive star)
Total [12]

4 (a) (i) angular speed = 2π/T C1

= 2π/(3.2 × 107)
= 1.96 × 10-7 rad s-1 A1 [2]

(ii) force = mrω2 or force = mv2/r and v = rω C1

= 6.0 × 1024 × 1.5 × 1011 × (1.96 × 10-7)2
= 3.46 × 1022 N A1 [2]

(b) (i) gravitation/gravity/gravitational field (strength) B1 [1]

(ii) F = GMm/x2 or GM = r3ω2 C1

3.46 × 1022 = (6.67 × 10-11 × M × 6.0 × 1024)/(1.5 × 1011)2 C1
M = 1.95 × 1030 kg A1 [3]

5 (a) GM / R2 = Rω2 …………….…………………...…..………………….. C1

ω = 2π / (24 × 3600) ………………………………..……..…………… C1
6.67 × 10–11 × 6.0 × 1024 = R3 × ω2
R3 = 7.57 × 1022 ………………………………………………………… M1
R = 4.23 × 107 m ……………………………………………………….. A0 [3]

(b)(i) ∆Φ = GM/Re – GM/Ro …...………………………………………….….. C1

= (6.67 × 10–11 × 6.0 × 1024) ( 1 / 6.4 × 106 – 1 / 4.2 × 107)
= 5.31 × 107 J kg–1 …………………………………………………. C1
∆EP = 5.31 × 107 × 650 …………………………………………………. C1
= 3.45 × 1010 J …………………………………………………….. A1 [4]

(c) e.g. satellite will already have some speed in the correct direction … B1 [1]
6 (a) centripetal force is provided by gravitational force B1
mv2 / r = GMm / r2 B1
hence v = √(GM / r) A0 [2]

(b) (i) EK (= ½mv2) = GMm / 2r B1 [1]

(ii) EP = - GMm / r B1 [1]

(iii) ET = - GMm / r + GMm / 2r C1

= - GMm / 2r. A1 [2]

(c) (i) if ET decreases then - GMm / 2r becomes more negative

or GMm / 2r becomes larger M1
so r decreases A1 [2]

(ii) EK = GMm / 2r and r decreases M1

so (EK and) v increases A1 [2]

7 (a) (region of space) where a mass experiences a force B1 [1]

(b) (i) potential energy = (–)GMm / x C1

∆EP = GMm/2R – GMm/3R M1
= GMm/6R A0 [2]

(ii) EK = ½m (76002 – 73202) M1

= (2.09 × 106)m A0 [1]

(c) (i) 2.09 × 106 = (6.67 × 10–11 M)/(6 × 3.4 × 106) C1

M = 6.39 × 1023 kg A1 [2]

(ii) e.g. no energy dissipated due to friction with atmosphere/air

rocket is outside atmosphere
not influenced by another planet etc. B1 [1]

8 (a) (i) F = GMm / R2 B1 [1]

(ii) F = mRω2 B1 [1]

(iii) reaction force = GMm / R2 – mRω2 (allow e.c.f.) B1 [1]

(b) (i) either value of R in expression Rω2 varies

or mRω2 no longer parallel to GMm / R2 / normal to surface B1
becomes smaller as object approaches a pole / is zero at pole B1 [2]

(ii) 1. acceleration = 6.4 × 106 × (2π / {8.6 × 104})2 C1

= 0.034 m s–2 A1 [2]
2. acceleration = 0 A1 [1]

(c) e.g. ‘radius’ of planet varies

density of planet not constant
planet spinning
nearby planets / stars
(any sensible comments, 1 mark each, maximum 2) B2 [2]
9 (a) force per unit mass (ratio idea essential) B1 [1]

(b) g = GM / R2 C1
8.6 × (0.6 × 107)2 = M × 6.67 × 10–11 C1
M = 4.6 × 1024 kg A1 [3]

(c) (i) either potential decreases as distance from planet decreases

or potential zero at infinity and X is closer to zero
or potential α –1/r and Y more negative M1
so point Y is closer to planet. A1 [2]

(ii) idea of ∆φ = ½v2 C1

(6.8 – 5.3) × 107 = ½v2
v = 5.5 × 103 ms–1 A1 [2]

10 (a) F ∝ Mm / R2 …..…(words or explained symbols) ................................................M1

either M and m are point masses
or R >> diameter of masses …(do not allow ‘size’) ....................................... A1 [2]

(b) (i) equatorial orbit .................................................................................................... B1

period 24 hours / same angular speed ............................................................... B1
from west to east / same direction of rotation ..................................................... B1 [3]
(allow one of the last two marks for ‘always overhead’ if 2nd or 3rd marks not scored)

(ii) gravitational force provides centripetal force

/ gives rise to centripetal acceleration ….(in ‘words’) ........................................ B1
GM / x2 = xω2 ....................................................................................................M1
g = GM / R2 .......................................................................................................M1
to give gR2 = x3ω2 ............................................................................................ A0 [3]

(iii) ω = 2π / (24 × 3600) = 7.27 × 10-5 rad s-1 ........................................................ C1

9.81 × (6.4 × 106)2 = x3 × (7.27 × 10-5)2 ............................................................. C1
x3 = 7.6 × 1022
x = 4.2 × 107 m ................................................................................................. A1 [3]
(use of g = 10 m s-2, loses 1 mark but once only in the Paper)

[Total: 11]
11 (a) (i) force per (unit) mass ……(ratio idea essential) ................................................. B1 [1]

(ii) g = GM / R2 ....................................................................................................... C1
9.81 = (6.67 × 10-11 × M) / (6.38 × 106)2 ……(all 3 s.f) ......................................M1
M = 5.99 × 1024 kg ........................................................................................... A0 [2]

(b) (i) either GM = ω2r3 or gR2 = ω2r3 .................................................................. C1

either 6.67 × 10-11 x 5.99 × 1024 = ω2 × (2.86 × 107)3
or 9.81 × (6.38 × 106)2 = ω2 × (2.86 × 107)3 ............................................... C1
ω = 1.3 × 10-4 rad s-1 ......................................................................................... A1 [3]
(use of r = 2.22 × 107m scores max 2 marks)

(ii) period of orbit = 2π / ω ....................................................................................... C1

= 4.8 × 104 s (= 13.4 hours) ....................................................... A1
period for geostationary satellite is 24 hours (= 8.6 × 104 s) ............................. A1
so no ................................................................................................................... A0 [3]

(c) satellite can then provide cover at Poles ................................................................... B1 [1]

[Total: 10]
12 (a) work done moving unit mass M1
from infinity to the point A1 [2]

(b) (i) at R, φ = 6.3 × 107 J kg–1 (allow ± 0.1 × 107) B1

φ = GM / R
6.3 × 107 = (6.67 × 10–11 × M) / (6.4 × 106) C1
M = 6.0 × 1024 kg (allow 5.95 → 6.14) A1 [3]
Maximum of 2/3 for any value chosen for φ not at R

(ii) change in potential = 2.1 × 107 J kg–1 (allow ± 0.1 × 107) C1

loss in potential energy = gain in kinetic energy B1
½ mv 2 = φ m or ½ mv 2 = GM / 3R C1
½ v 2 = 2.1 × 107
v = 6.5 × 103 m s–1 ………..……(allow 6.3 → 6.6) A1 [4]
(answer 7.9 × 103 m s–1, based on x = 2R, allow max 3 marks)

(iii) e.g. speed / velocity / acceleration would be greater B1

deviates / bends from straight path B1 [2]
(any sensible ideas, 1 each, max 2)
13 (a) force per unit mass (ratio idea essential) B1 [1]

(b) graph: correct curvature M1

from (R,1.0 gS) & at least one other correct point A1 [2]

(c) (i) fields of Earth and Moon are in opposite directions M1

either resultant field found by subtraction of the field strength
or any other sensible comment A1
so there is a point where it is zero A0 [2]
(allow FE = –FM for 2 marks)

(ii) GME / x2 = GMM / (D – x)2 C1

(6.0 × 1024) / (7.4 × 1022) = x2 / (60RE – x)2 C1
x = 54 RE A1 [3]

(iii) graph: g = 0 at least ⅔ distance to Moon B1

gE and gM in opposite directions M1
correct curvature (by eye) and gE > gM at surface A1 [3]

14 (a) (i) rate of change of angle / angular displacement M1

swept out by radius A1 [2]

(ii) ω × T = 2π B1 [1]

(b) centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force B1

either mr(2π/T)2 = GMm/r 2 or mrω 2 = GMm/r 2 M1
r 3 × 4π2 = GM × T 2 A1
GM/4π2 is a constant (c) A1
T 2 = cr 3 A0 [4]

(c) (i) either T 2 = (45/1.08)3 × 0.6152 or T 2 = 0.30 × 453 C1

T = 165 years A1 [2]

(ii) speed = (2π × 1.08 × 108) / (0.615 × 365 × 24 × 3600) C1

= 35 km s–1 A1 [2]

15 (a) (i) force proportional to product of masses B1

force inversely proportional to square of separation B1 [2]

(ii) separation much greater than radius / diameter of Sun / planet B1 [1]

(b) (i) e.g. force or field strength ∝ 1 / r 2

potential ∝ 1 / r B1 [1]

(ii) e.g. gravitational force (always) attractive B1

electric force attractive or repulsive B1 [2]
16 (a) region (of space) where a particle / body experiences a force B1 [1]

(b) similarity: e.g. force ∝ 1 / r 2

potential ∝ 1 / r B1 [1]

difference: e.g. gravitation force (always) attractive B1

electric force attractive or repulsive B1 [2]

(c) either ratio is Q1Q2 / 4πε0m1m2G C1

= (1.6 × 10–19)2 / 4π × 8.85 × 10–12 × (1.67 × 10–27)2 × 6.67 × 10–11 C1
= 1.2 × 1036 A1 [3]
or FE = 2.30 × 10–28 × R –2 (C1)
FG = 1.86 × 10–64 × R –2 (C1)
FE / FG = 1.2 × 1036 (A1)

17 (a) gravitational force provides the centripetal force B1

GMm/r 2 = mrω2 (must be in terms of ω) B1
r 3ω2 = GM and GM is a constant B1 [3]

(b) (i) 1. for Phobos, ω = 2π/(7.65 × 3600) C1

= 2.28 × 10–4 rad s–1
(9.39 × 10 ) × (2.28 × 10–4)2 = 6.67 × 10–11 × M
6 3
C1
M = 6.46 × 1023 kg A1 [3]

2. (9.39 × 106)3 × (2.28 × 10–4)2 = (1.99 × 107)3 × ω2 C1

ω = 7.30 × 10–5 rad s–1 C1
T = 2π/ω = 2π/(7.30 × 10–5)
= 8.6 × 104 s
= 23.6 hours A1 [3]

(ii) either almost ‘geostationary’

or satellite would take a long time to cross the sky B1 [1]
18 (a) work done in bringing unit mass from infinity (to the point) B1 [1]

(b) gravitational force is (always) attractive B1

either as r decreases, object/mass/body does work
or work is done by masses as they come together B1 [2]

(c) either force on mass = mg (where g is the acceleration of free fall

/gravitational field strength) B1
g = GM/r2 B1
if r @ h, g is constant B1
∆EP = force × distance moved M1
= mgh A0
or ∆EP = m∆φ (C1)
= GMm(1/r1 – 1/r2) = GMm(r2 – r1)/r1r2 (B1)
if r2 ≈ r1, then (r2 – r1) = h and r1r2 = r2 (B1)
g = GM/r2 (B1)
∆EP = mgh (A0) [4]

(d) ½mv2 = m∆φ

v2 = 2 × GM/r C1
= (2 × 4.3 × 1013) / (3.4 × 106) C1
v = 5.0 × 103 m s–1 A1 [3]
(Use of diameter instead of radius to give v = 3.6 × 103 m s–1 scores 2 marks)

19 (a) force proportional to product of masses and inversely proportional to

square of separation (do not allow square of distance/radius) M1
either point masses or separation @ size of masses A1 [2]

(b) (i) ω = 2π / (27.3 × 24 × 3600) or 2π / (2.36 x 106) M1

= 2.66 × 10–6 rad s–1 A0 [1]

(ii) GM = r3ω2 or GM = v2r C1

M = (3.84 × 105 × 103)3 × (2.66 × 10–6)2 / (6.67 × 10–11) M1
= 6.0 × 1024 kg A0 [2]
(special case: uses g = GM/r2 with g = 9.81, r = 6.4 × 106 scores max 1 mark)

(c) (i) grav. force = (6.0 × 1024) × (7.4 × 1022) × (6.67 × 10–11)/(3.84 × 108)2 C1
= 2.0 × 1020 N (allow 1 SF) A1 [2]

(ii) either ∆EP = Fx because F constant as x ! radius of orbit B1

∆EP = 2.0 × 1020 × 4.0 × 10–2 C1
= 8.0 × 1018 J (allow 1 SF) A1 [3]

or ∆EP = GMm/r1 – GMm/r2 C1

Correct substitution B1
8.0 × 1018 J A1
(∆EP = GMm/r1 + GMm/r2 is incorrect physics so 0/3)
20 (a) force is proportional to the product of the masses and
inversely proportional to the square of the separation M1
either point masses or separation >> size of masses A1 [2]

(b) (i) gravitational force provides the centripetal force B1

mv2/r = GMm/r2 and EK = ½mv2 M1
hence EK = GMm/2r A0 [2]

(ii) 1. ∆EK = ½ × 4.00 × 1014 × 620 × ({7.30 × 106}–1 – {7.34 × 106}–1) C1

= 9.26 × 107 J (ignore any sign in answer) A1 [2]
(allow 1.0 × 108 J if evidence that EK evaluated separately for each r)

2. ∆EP = 4.00 × 1014 × 620 × ({7.30 × 106}–1 – {7.34 × 106}–1) C1

= 1.85 × 108 J (ignore any sign in answer) A1 [2]
(allow 1.8 or 1.9 × 108 J)

(iii) either (7.30 × 106)–1 – (7.34 × 106)–1 or ∆EK is positive / EK increased M1

speed has increased A1 [2]

21 (a) region of space area / volume B1

where a mass experiences a force B1 [2]

(b) (i) force proportional to product of two masses M1

force inversely proportional to the square of their separation M1
either reference to point masses or separation >> ‘size’ of masses A1 [3]

(ii) field strength = GM / x2 or field strength ∝ 1 / x2 C1

ratio = (7.78 × 108)2 / (1.5 × 108)2 C1
= 27 A1 [3]

(c) (i) either centripetal force = mRω2 and ω = 2π / T

or centripetal force = mv2 / R and v = 2πR /T B1
gravitational force provides the centripetal force B1
either GMm / R2 = mRω2 or GMm / R2 = mv2 / R M1
M = 4π2R3 / GT2 A0 [3]
(allow working to be given in terms of acceleration)

(ii) M = {4π2 × (1.5 × 1011)3} / {6.67 × 10–11 × (3.16 × 107)2} C1

= 2.0 × 1030 kg A1 [2]
22 (a) equatorial orbit / above equator B1
satellite moves from west to east / same direction as Earth spins B1
period is 24 hours / same period as spinning of Earth B1 [3]
(allow 1 mark for ‘appears to be stationary/overhead’ if none of above marks scored)

(b) gravitational force provides/is the centripetal force B1

GMm/R2 = mRω2 or GMm/R2 = mv2/R M1
ω = 2π /T or v = 2πR / T or clear substitution M1
clear working to give R3 = (GMT2 / 4π2) A1 [4]

(c) R3 = 6.67 × 10–11 × 6.0 × 1024 × (24 × 3600)2 / 4π2 C1

= 7.57 × 1022 C1
R = 4.2 × 107 m A1 [3]
(missing out 3600 gives 1.8 × 105 m and scores 2/3 marks)
23 (a) work done in moving unit mass M1
from infinity (to the point) A1 [2]

(b) (i) gravitational potential energy = GMm / x

energy = (6.67 × 10–11 × 7.35 × 1022 × 4.5) / (1.74 × 106) M1
energy = 1.27 × 107 J A0 [1]

(ii) change in grav. potential energy = change in kinetic energy B1

½ × 4.5 × v2 = 1.27 × 107
v = 2.4 × 103 m s–1 A1 [2]

(c) Earth would attract the rock / potential at Earth(’s surface) not zero / <0
/ at Earth, potential due to Moon not zero M1
escape speed would be lower A1 [2]

24 (a) force proportional to product of the two masses and inversely proportional to the
square of their separation M1
either reference to point masses or separation >> ‘size’ of masses A1 [2]

(b) gravitational force provides the centripetal force B1

GMm / R2 = mRω2 M1
where m is the mass of the planet A1
GM = R3ω2 A0 [3]

(c) ω = 2π / T C1
either Mstar / MSun = (Rstar / RSun)3 × (TSun / Tstar)2
Mstar = 43 × (½)2 × 2.0 × 1030 C1
= 3.2 × 1031 kg A1 [3]
or Mstar = (2π)2 Rstar3 / GT2 (C1)
= {(2π)2 × (6.0 × 1011)3} / {6.67 × 10–11 × (2 × 365 × 24 × 3600)2} (C1)
= 3.2 × 1031 kg (A1)

25 (a) work done bringing unit mass M1

from infinity (to the point) A1 [2]

(b) EP = –mφ B1 [1]

(c) φ ∝ 1/x C1

either at 6R from centre, potential is (6.3 × 107)/6 (= 1.05 × 107 J kg–1)

and at 5R from centre, potential is (6.3 × 107)/5 (= 1.26 × 107 J kg–1) C1
change in energy = (1.26 – 1.05) × 107 × 1.3 C1
= 2.7 × 106 J A1

or change in potential = (1/5 – 1/6) × (6.3 × 107) (C1)

change in energy = (1/5 – 1/6) × (6.3 × 107) × 1.3 (C1)
= 2.7 × 106 J (A1) [4]
26 (a) gravitational force provides/is the centripetal force B1
GMm / r2 R mv2 / r M1
v R √(GM / r) A0 [2]

allow gravitational field strength provides/is the centripetal acceleration (B1)

GM / r2 R v2 / r (M1)

(b) (i) kinetic energy increase/change R loss / change in (gravitational) potential

energy B1
½mV02 R GMm / x C1
V02 R 2GM / x
V0 R √(2GM / x) A1 [3]

(max. 2 for use of r not x)

(ii) V0 is (always) greater than v (for x = r) M1

so stone could not enter into orbit A1 [2]

27 (a) g = GM / R2 C1
= (6.67 × 10–11 × 6.4 × 1023) / (3.4 × 106)2 = 3.7 N kg–1 A1 [2]

(b) ∆EP = mg∆h

because ∆h ≪ R (or 1800 m ≪ 3.4 × 106 m) g is constant B1
∆EP = 2.4 × 3.7 × 1800 C1
= 1.6 × 104 J A1 [3]
(use of g = 9.8 m s–2 max. 1 for explanation)

(c) gravitational potential energy = (–)GMm / x C1

v2 = 2GM / x C1
x = 4D = 4 × 6.8 × 106 C1

v2 = (2 × 6.67 × 10–11 × 6.4 × 1023) / (4 × 6.8 × 106)

= 3.14 × 106
v = 1.8 × 103 m s–1 A1 [4]
(use of 3.5 D giving 1.9 × 103 m s–1, allow max. 3)