Gravitational Fields P4

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Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.
1 (a) State Newton’s law of gravitation.
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...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) A satellite of mass m has a circular orbit of radius r about a planet of mass M. It may be
assumed that the planet and the satellite are uniform spheres that are isolated in space.
Show that the linear speed v of the satellite is given by the expression
v= GM
r
where G is the gravitational constant.

Explain your working.
[2]
(c) Two moons A and B have circular orbits about a planet, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.
vA
B
A vB
rA
rB
planet
Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)
Moon A has an orbital radius rA of 1.3 × 108 m, linear speed vA and orbital period TA.
Moon B has an orbital radius rB of 2.2 × 1010 m, linear speed vB and orbital period TB.
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(i) Determine the ratio

vA
1. ,
vB
ratio = ...........................................................[2]
TA
2. .
TB
ratio = ...........................................................[3]
(ii) The planet spins about its own axis with angular speed 1.7 × 10–4 rad s–1.
Moon A is always above the same point on the planet’s surface.
Determine the orbital period TB of moon B.
TB = ........................................................s [2]
[Total: 11]
© UCLES 2016 9702/42/F/M/16 [Turn over

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1 (a) By reference to the definition of gravitational potential, explain why gravitational potential is a
negative quantity.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) Two stars A and B have their surfaces separated by a distance of 1.4 × 1012 m, as illustrated in
Fig. 1.1.
1.4 = 1012 m
star A star B
P
Fig. 1.1
Point P lies on the line joining the centres of the two stars. The distance x of point P from the
surface of star A may be varied.
The variation with distance x of the gravitational potential φ at point P is shown in Fig. 1.2.
x / 1012 m
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4
–2
–4
–6
–8
q/ 108 J kg–1
–10
–12
–14
–16
Fig. 1.2
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A rock of mass 180 kg moves along the line joining the centres of the two stars, from star A
towards star B.
(i) Use data from Fig. 1.2 to calculate the change in kinetic energy of the rock when it
moves from the point where x = 0.1 × 1012 m to the point where x = 1.2 × 1012 m.
State whether this change is an increase or a decrease.
change = ............................................................. J
..................................................................................
[3]
(ii) At a point where x = 0.1 × 1012 m, the speed of the rock is v.
Determine the minimum speed v such that the rock reaches the point where
x = 1.2 × 1012 m.
minimum speed = ............................................... m s−1 [3]
[Total: 8]
© UCLES 2016 9702/41/M/J/16 [Turn over

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1 A binary star consists of two stars A and B that orbit one another, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.
2.8 × 108 km
t
VWDU$ VWDU%
PDVV0$ 3 PDVV0%
t
G
Fig. 1.1
The stars are in circular orbits with the centres of both orbits at point P, a distance d from the
centre of star A.
(a) (i) Explain why the centripetal force acting on both stars has the same magnitude.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) The period of the orbit of the stars about point P is 4.0 years.
Calculate the angular speed ω of the stars.
ω = ............................................. rad s−1 [2]
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(b) The separation of the centres of the stars is 2.8 × 108 km.
The mass of star A is MA. The mass of star B is MB.
M
The ratio A is 3.0.
MB
(i) Determine the distance d.
d = ................................................... km [3]
(ii) Use your answers in (a)(ii) and (b)(i) to determine the mass MB of star B.
Explain your working.
MB = .................................................... kg [3]
[Total: 10]

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1 A satellite is in a circular orbit of radius r about the Earth of mass M, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.
Earth satellite
mass M
Fig. 1.1
The mass of the Earth may be assumed to be concentrated at its centre.
(a) Show that the period T of the orbit of the satellite is given by the expression
4π2r 3
T2 =
GM
where G is the gravitational constant. Explain your working.
[3]
(b) (i) A satellite in geostationary orbit appears to remain above the same point on the Earth
and has a period of 24 hours.
State two other features of a geostationary orbit.
1. ......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
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(ii) The mass M of the Earth is 6.0 × 1024 kg.

Use the expression in (a) to determine the radius of a geostationary orbit.
radius = .................................................... m [2]
(c) A global positioning system (GPS) satellite orbits the Earth at a height of 2.0 × 104 km above
the Earth’s surface.
The radius of the Earth is 6.4 × 103 km.
Use your answer in (b)(ii) and the expression
T 2 ∝ r3
to calculate, in hours, the period of the orbit of this satellite.
period = .............................................. hours [2]
[Total: 9]
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1 (a) Define gravitational field strength.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The nearest star to the Sun is Proxima Centauri.

This star has a mass of 2.5 × 1029 kg and is a distance of 4.0 × 1013 km from the Sun.
The Sun has a mass of 2.0 × 1030 kg.
(i) State why Proxima Centauri may be assumed to be a point mass when viewed from the
Sun.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Calculate
1. the gravitational field strength due to Proxima Centauri at a distance of 4.0 × 1013 km,
field strength = ............................................... N kg–1 [2]
2. the gravitational force of attraction between the Sun and Proxima Centauri.
force = ...................................................... N [2]
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(c) Suggest quantitatively why it may be assumed that the Sun is isolated in space from other
stars.
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...............................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 8]

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1 (a) Define gravitational potential at a point.
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...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) A rocket is launched from the surface of a planet and moves along a radial path, as shown in
Fig. 1.1.
A B rocket
R path
R
planet 4R
mass M
Fig. 1.1
The planet may be considered to be an isolated sphere of radius R with all of its mass M
concentrated at its centre. Point A is a distance R from the surface of the planet. Point B is a
distance 4R from the surface.
(i) Show that the difference in gravitational potential Δφ between points A and B is given by
the expression
3GM
Δφ =
10R
[1]
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(ii) The rocket motor is switched off at point A. During the journey from A to B, the rocket has
a constant mass of 4.7 × 104 kg and its kinetic energy changes from 1.70 TJ to 0.88 TJ.
For the planet, the product GM is 4.0 × 1014 N m2 kg–1. It may be assumed that resistive
forces to the motion of the rocket are negligible.
Use the expression in (b)(i) to determine the distance from A to B.
distance = .......................................................m [3]
[Total: 6]

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1 (a) Explain how a satellite may be in a circular orbit around a planet.
...................................................................................................................................................
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...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) The Earth and the Moon may be considered to be uniform spheres that are isolated in space.
The Earth has radius R and mean density ρ. The Moon, mass m, is in a circular orbit about
the Earth with radius nR, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.
Earth
radius R
Moon
nR
Fig. 1.1
The Moon makes one complete orbit of the Earth in time T.

Show that the mean density ρ of the Earth is given by the expression
3πn3
ρ= .
GT 2
[4]
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(c) The radius R of the Earth is 6.38 × 103 km and the distance between the centre of the Earth
and the centre of the Moon is 3.84 × 105 km.
The period T of the orbit of the Moon about the Earth is 27.3 days.
Use the expression in (b) to calculate ρ.
ρ = ............................................... kg m–3 [3]
[Total: 9]

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...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The mass of a spherical comet of radius 3.6 km is approximately 1.0 × 1013 kg.
(i) Assuming that the comet has constant density, calculate the gravitational field strength
on the surface of the comet.
field strength = ............................................... N kg–1 [2]
(ii) A probe having a weight of 960 N on Earth lands on the comet.

Using your answer in (i), determine the weight of the probe on the surface of the comet.
weight = ...................................................... N [2]
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(c) A second comet has a length of approximately 4.5 km and a width of approximately 2.6 km. Its
outline is illustrated in Fig. 1.1.
Fig. 1.1
Suggest one similarity and one difference between the gravitational fields at the surface of
this comet and at the surface of the comet in (b).
similarity: ...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
difference: .................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
[Total: 7]

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...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) Explain why, for changes in vertical position of a point mass near the Earth’s surface, the
gravitational field strength may be considered to be constant.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(c) The orbit of the Earth about the Sun is approximately circular with a radius of 1.5 × 108 km.
The time period of the orbit is 365 days.
Determine a value for the mass M of the Sun. Explain your working.
M = .................................................... kg [5]
[Total: 8]
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...................................................................................................................................................
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...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) The planet Jupiter and one of its moons, Io, may be considered to be uniform spheres that
are isolated in space.
Jupiter has radius R and mean density ρ.
Io has mass m and is in a circular orbit about Jupiter with radius nR, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.
Jupiter
radius R
density ρ Io
nR
Fig. 1.1
The time for Io to complete one orbit of Jupiter is T.
Show that the time T is related to the mean density ρ of Jupiter by the expression
3πn3
ρT 2 =
G
[4]
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(c) (i) The radius R of Jupiter is 7.15 × 104 km and the distance between the centres of Jupiter
and Io is 4.32 × 105 km.
The period T of the orbit of Io is 42.5 hours.
Calculate the mean density ρ of Jupiter.
ρ = ............................................... kg m–3 [3]
(ii) The Earth has a mean density of 5.5 × 103 kg m–3. It is said to be a planet made of rock.
By reference to your answer in (i), comment on the possible composition of Jupiter.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 10]

m18 qp42 q1 4
1 (a) (i) State what is meant by a line of force in a gravitational field.
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...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) By reference to the pattern of the lines of gravitational force near to the surface of the
Earth, explain why the acceleration of free fall near to the Earth’s surface is approximately
constant.
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.......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) The Moon may be considered to be a uniform sphere that is isolated in space. It has radius
1.74 × 103 km and mass 7.35 × 1022 kg.
(i) Calculate the gravitational field strength at the Moon’s surface.
gravitational field strength = ............................................... N kg–1 [2]
(ii) A satellite is in a circular orbit about the Moon at a height of 320 km above its surface.
Calculate the time for the satellite to complete one orbit of the Moon.
time = ........................................................ s [3]
[Total: 9]
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(b) A distant star is orbited by several planets. Each planet has a circular orbit with a different
radius.
(i) Each planet orbits at constant speed.

Explain whether the planets are in equilibrium.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) The radius of the orbit of a planet is R and the orbital period is T.
Data for some of the planets are given in Fig. 1.1.
planet R/m T 2 / s2
c 9.6 × 1010 2.5 × 1011
e 4.0 × 1011 1.8 × 1013
g 2.1 × 1012 2.6 × 1015
Fig. 1.1
The relationship between R and T is given by the expression
R 3 = kT 2.
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1. Show that the constant k is given by the expression
GM
k=
4π2
where G is the gravitational constant and M is the mass of the star.
[3]
2. Use data from Fig. 1.1 for the three planets and the expression for k to calculate the
mass M of the star.
M = ...................................................... kg [3]
[Total: 9]

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1 (a) (i) A gravitational field may be represented by lines of gravitational force.

State what is meant by a line of gravitational force.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) By reference to lines of gravitational force near to the surface of the Earth, explain why
the gravitational field strength g close to the Earth’s surface is approximately constant.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) The Moon may be considered to be a uniform sphere of diameter 3.4 × 103 km and mass
7.4 × 1022 kg. The Moon has no atmosphere.
During a collision of the Moon with a meteorite, a rock is thrown vertically up from the surface
of the Moon with a speed of 2.8 km s–1.
Assuming that the Moon is isolated in space, determine whether the rock will travel out into
distant space or return to the Moon’s surface.
[4]
[Total: 8]

w18 qp41 q1 5
1 (a) (i) State what is meant by gravitational potential at a point.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) Suggest why, for small changes in height near the Earth’s surface, gravitational potential
is approximately constant.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) The Moon may be considered to be a uniform sphere with a diameter of 3.5 × 103 km and a
mass of 7.4 × 1022 kg.
A meteor strikes the Moon and, during the collision, a rock is sent off from the surface of the
Moon with an initial speed v.
Assuming that the Moon is isolated in space, determine the minimum speed of the rock such
that it does not return to the Moon’s surface. Explain your working.
minimum speed = ................................................. m s–1 [3]
[Total: 7]

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1 (a) (i) State what is meant by gravitational field strength.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Explain why, at the surface of a planet, gravitational field strength is numerically equal to
the acceleration of free fall.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) An isolated uniform spherical planet has radius R.

The acceleration of free fall at the surface of the planet is g.
On Fig. 1.1, sketch a graph to show the variation of the acceleration of free fall with distance
x from the centre of the planet for values of x in the range x = R to x = 4R.
1.00 g
acceleration
of free fall 0.75 g
0.50 g
0.25 g
0
0 R 2R 3R 4R
x
Fig. 1.1
[3]
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(c) The planet in (b) has radius R equal to 3.4 × 103 km and mean density 4.0 × 103 kg m–3.
Calculate the acceleration of free fall at a height R above its surface.
acceleration of free fall = ................................................. m s–2 [3]
[Total: 8]

m19 qp42 q1 4
1 (a) (i) Define gravitational potential at a point.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Use your answer in (i) to explain why the gravitational potential near an isolated mass is
always negative.
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...................................................................................................................................... [3]
(b) A spherical planet has mass 6.00 × 1024 kg and radius 6.40 × 106 m.
The planet may be assumed to be isolated in space with its mass concentrated at its centre.
A satellite of mass 340 kg is in a circular orbit about the planet at a height 9.00 × 105 m above
its surface.
For the satellite:
(i) show that its orbital speed is 7.4 × 103 m s–1
[2]
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(ii) calculate its gravitational potential energy.
energy = ........................................................ J [3]
(c) Rockets on the satellite are fired for a short time. The satellite’s orbit is now closer to the
surface of the planet.
State and explain the change, if any, in the kinetic energy of the satellite.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
[Total: 12]

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1 (a) Two point masses are isolated in space and are separated by a distance x.
State an expression relating the gravitational force F between the two masses to the
magnitudes M and m of the masses. State the name of any other symbol used.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) A spacecraft is to be put into a circular orbit about a spherical planet.
The planet may be considered to be isolated in space. The mass of the planet, assumed to
be concentrated at its centre, is 7.5 × 1023 kg. The radius of the planet is 3.4 × 106 m.
(i) The spacecraft is to orbit the planet at a height of 2.4 × 105 m above the surface of the
planet. At this altitude, there is no atmosphere.
Show that the speed of the spacecraft in its orbit is 3.7 × 103 m s –1.
[2]
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(ii) One possible path of the spacecraft as it approaches the planet is shown in Fig. 1.1.
3.64 × 106 m
B
5.00 × 107 m
planet
mass 7.5 × 1023 kg
The spacecraft enters the orbit at point A with speed 3.7 × 103 m s–1.
At point B, a distance of 5.00 × 107 m from the centre of the planet, the spacecraft has a
speed of 4.1 × 103 m s–1. The mass of the spacecraft is 650 kg.
For the spacecraft moving from point B to point A, show that the change in gravitational
potential energy of the spacecraft is 8.3 × 109 J.
[3]
(c) By considering changes in gravitational potential energy and in kinetic energy of the
spacecraft, determine whether the total energy of the spacecraft increases or decreases in
moving from point B to point A. A numerical answer is not required.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
[Total: 8]

s19 qp42 q1 4
1 (a) Two point masses are separated by a distance x in a vacuum.

State an expression for the force F between the two masses M and m.
State the name of any other symbol used.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) A small sphere S is attached to one end of a rod, as shown in Fig. 1.1.
thread
rod
small sphere S
8.0 cm
view from side
The rod hangs from a vertical thread and is horizontal.

The distance from the centre of sphere S to the thread is 8.0 cm.
A large sphere L is placed near to sphere S, as shown in Fig. 1.2.
large sphere L
initial position
of rod
6.0 cm
final position
of rod θ
1.2 mm
small sphere S
8.0 cm
thread
view from above
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There is a force of attraction between spheres S and L, causing sphere S to move through a
distance of 1.2 mm.
The line joining the centres of S and L is normal to the rod.
(i) Show that the angle θ through which the rod rotates is 1.5 × 10–2 rad.
[1]
(ii) The rotation of the rod causes the thread to twist.

The torque T (in N m) required to twist the thread through an angle β (in rad) is given by
T = 9.3 × 10–10 × β.
Calculate the torque in the thread when sphere L is positioned as shown in Fig. 1.2.
torque = .................................................. N m [1]
(c) The distance between the centres of spheres S and L is 6.0 cm.
The mass of sphere S is 7.5 g and the mass of sphere L is 1.3 kg.
(i) By equating the torque in (b)(ii) to the moment about the thread produced by gravitational
attraction between the spheres, calculate a value for the gravitational constant.
gravitational constant = ............................................... N m2 kg–2 [3]

6
(ii) Suggest why the total force between the spheres may not be equal to the force calculated
using Newton’s law of gravitation.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 7]
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............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) A geostationary satellite orbits the Earth. The orbit of the satellite is circular and the period of
the orbit is 24 hours.
(i) State two other features of this orbit.
1. .......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
2. .......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) The radius of the orbit of the satellite is 4.23 × 104 km.
Determine a value for the mass of the Earth. Explain your working.
mass = ..................................................... kg [4]
[Total: 8]
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...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) The astronomer Johannes Kepler showed that the period T of rotation of a planet about the
Sun is related to its mean distance R from the centre of the Sun by the expression
R3 = k
T2
where k is a constant.
Use Newton’s law to show that, for planets in circular orbits about the Sun of mass M, the
constant k is given by
k = GM2
4π
where G is the gravitational constant. Explain your working.
[4]
(c) A satellite is in a circular orbit about Mars.

The radius of the orbit of the satellite is 4.38 × 106 m. The orbital period is 2.44 hours.
Use the expressions in (b) to calculate a value for the mass of Mars.
mass = .................................................... kg [2]
[Total: 8]
© UCLES 2019 9702/42/O/N/19
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...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) TESS is a satellite of mass 360 kg in a circular orbit about the Earth as shown in Fig. 1.1.
Earth satellite TESS
radius of orbit
radius of Earth
6.4 × 106 m
The radius of the Earth is 6.4 × 106 m and the mass of the Earth, considered to be a point
mass at its centre, is 6.0 × 1024 kg.
(i) It takes TESS 13.7 days to orbit the Earth.
Show that the radius of orbit of TESS is 2.4 × 108 m.
[3]
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(ii) Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy between TESS in orbit and TESS
on a launch pad on the surface of the Earth.
change in gravitational potential energy = ...................................................... J [3]
(iii) Use the information in (b)(i) to calculate the ratio:

gravitational field strength on surface of Earth
.
gravitational field strength at location of TESS in orbit
ratio = ......................................................... [2]
[Total: 10]

s20 qp41 q1 4
1 (a) State what is meant by a gravitational force.
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) A binary star system consists of two stars S1 and S2, each in a circular orbit.
The orbit of each star in the system has a period of rotation T.
Observations of the binary star from Earth are represented in Fig. 1.1.
S1
S1
S2
S2
T
t=0 t=—
4
S2
S1 S2
S1
T 3T
t=— t=—
2 4
S1
S2
t=T
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Observed from Earth, the angular separation of the centres of S1 and S2 is 1.2 × 10–5 rad.
The distance of the binary star system from Earth is 1.5 × 1017 m.
Show that the separation d of the centres of S1 and S2 is 1.8 × 1012 m.
[1]
(c) The stars S1 and S2 rotate with the same angular velocity ω about a point P, as illustrated in
Fig. 1.2.
P
S1 S2
Point P is at a distance x from the centre of star S1.

The period of rotation of the stars is 44.2 years.
(i) Calculate the angular velocity ω.
ω = .............................................. rad s–1 [2]

6
(ii) By considering the forces acting on the two stars, show that the ratio of the masses of
the stars is given by
mass of S1 d – x
= .
mass of S2 x
[2]
(iii) The mass M1 of star S1 is given by the expression
GM1 = d 2 (d – x) ω 2
The ratio in (ii) is found to be 1.5.
Use data from (b) and your answer in (c)(i) to determine the mass M1.
M1 = .................................................... kg [3]
[Total: 9]
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...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) An isolated solid sphere of radius r may be assumed to have its mass M concentrated at its
centre. The magnitude of the gravitational potential at the surface of the sphere is φ.
On Fig. 1.1, show the variation of the gravitational potential with distance d from the centre of
the sphere for values of d from d = r to d = 4r.
+1.0 φ
gravitational
potential
+0.5 φ
0
0 r 2r 3r 4r
d
–0.5 φ
–1.0 φ
Fig. 1.1
[3]
© UCLES 2020 9702/42/M/J/20

5
(c) The sphere in (b) is a planet with radius r of 6.4 × 106 m and mass M of 6.0 × 1024 kg. The
planet has no atmosphere.
A rock of mass 3.4 × 103 kg moves directly towards the planet. Its distance from the centre of
the planet changes from 4r to 3r.
(i) Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy of the rock.
change = ....................................................... J [3]
(ii) Explain whether the rock’s speed increases, decreases or stays the same.
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 10]

w20 qp41 q1 5
1 (a) (i) State what is meant by a field of force.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Define gravitational field strength.
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) An isolated planet may be assumed to be a uniform sphere of radius 3.39 × 106 m with its
mass of 6.42 × 1023 kg concentrated at its centre.
Calculate the gravitational field strength at the surface of the planet.
field strength = .............................................. N kg–1 [3]
(c) Calculate the height above the surface of the planet in (b) at which the gravitational field
strength is 1.0% less than its value at the surface of the planet.
height = ..................................................... m [3]
[Total: 9]

w20 qp42 q1
4
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) The Earth may be considered to be a uniform sphere of radius 6.4 × 106 m with its mass of
6.0 × 1024 kg concentrated at its centre.
A satellite of mass 2.4 × 103 kg is launched from the Equator. It is placed in an equatorial orbit
at a height of 5.6 × 106 m above the Earth’s surface.
(i) Calculate the change ΔEP in gravitational potential energy of the satellite for its movement
from the surface of the Earth to its position in the equatorial orbit.
ΔEP = ....................................................... J [3]
(ii) Determine the speed of the satellite when in orbit.
speed = ................................................ m s–1 [3]
© UCLES 2020 9702/42/O/N/20

5
(c) Before the satellite in (b) is launched, its speed at the Equator due to the Earth’s rotation is
470 m s–1.
Suggest why the energy required to launch the satellite depends on whether the satellite, in
its orbit, is travelling from west to east or from east to west.
��
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 9]

m21 qp42 q1 4
Answer all questions in the spaces provided.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) Planets have been observed orbiting a star in another solar system. Measurements are made
of the orbital radius r and the time period T of each of these planets.
The variation with R3 of T2 is shown in Fig. 1.1.
2.6
2.4
2.2
T2 / year2
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2
R3 / 1034 m3
Fig. 1.1
© UCLES 2021 9702/42/F/M/21

5
The relationship between T and R is given by

2 3
T2 = 4π R
GM
where G is the gravitational constant and M is the mass of the star.
Determine the mass M.
M = .................................................... kg [3]
(c) A rock of mass m is also in orbit around the star in (b). The radius of the orbit is r.
(i) Explain why the gravitational potential energy of the rock is negative.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
(ii) Show that the kinetic energy Ek of the rock is given by
Ek = GMm .
2r
[2]
(iii) Use the expression in (c)(ii) to derive an expression for the total energy of the rock.
[2]
[Total: 12]

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4
1 The Earth may be assumed to be an isolated uniform sphere with its mass of 6.0 × 1024 kg
concentrated at its centre.
A satellite of mass 1200 kg is in a circular orbit about the Earth in the Earth’s gravitational field.
The period of the orbit is 94 minutes.
(a) Define gravitational field strength.
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) Calculate the radius of the orbit of the satellite.
radius = ..................................................... m [3]
(c) Rockets on the satellite are fired so that the satellite enters a different circular orbit that has
a period of 150 minutes. The change in the mass of the satellite may be assumed to be
negligible.
(i) Show that the radius of the new orbit is 9.4 × 106 m.
[2]
(ii) State, with a reason, whether the gravitational potential energy of the satellite increases
or decreases.
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
© UCLES 2021 9702/41/M/J/21

5
(iii) Determine the magnitude of the change in the gravitational potential energy of the
satellite.
change in potential energy = ...................................................... J [3]
[Total: 10]

s21 qp42 q1
5
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) An isolated planet is a uniform sphere of radius 3.39 × 106 m. Its mass of 6.42 × 1023 kg may
be considered to be a point mass concentrated at its centre. The planet rotates about its axis
with a period of 24.6 hours.
For an object resting on the surface of the planet at the equator, calculate, to three significant
figures:
(i) the gravitational field strength
field strength = .............................................. N kg−1 [2]
(ii) the centripetal acceleration
acceleration = ................................................ m s−2 [2]
(iii) the force per unit mass exerted on the object by the surface of the planet.
force per unit mass = .............................................. N kg−1 [1]
[Total: 6]
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6
2 (a) Define gravitational potential.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) The Earth E and the Moon M can both be considered as isolated point masses at their
centres. The mass of the Earth is 5.98 × 1024 kg and the mass of the Moon is 7.35 × 1022 kg.
The Earth and the Moon are separated by a distance of 3.84 × 108 m, as shown in Fig. 2.1.
3.84 × 108 m
Earth E Moon M
mass 5.98 × 1024 kg mass 7.35 × 1022 kg
P is a point, on the line joining the centres of E and M, where the resultant gravitational field
strength is zero. Point P is at a distance x from the centre of the Earth.
(i) Explain how it is possible for the gravitational field strength to be zero despite the
presence of two large masses nearby.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Show that x is approximately 3.5 × 108 m.
[2]
© UCLES 2021 9702/41/O/N/21

7
(iii) Calculate the gravitational potential φ at point P.
φ = ............................................... J kg–1 [3]
[Total: 9]

w21 qp42 q2
6
2 (a) State the relationship between gravitational potential and gravitational field strength.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) A moon of mass M and radius R orbits a planet of mass 3M and radius 2R. At a particular
time, the distance between their centres is D, as shown in Fig. 2.1.
planet moon
mass 3M mass M
radius 2R radius R
Fig. 2.1
Point P is a point along the line between the centres of the planet and the moon, at a variable
distance x from the centre of the planet.
The variation with x of the gravitational potential φ at point P, for points between the planet
and the moon, is shown in Fig. 2.2.
0 x
0 2R D–R
Fig. 2.2
© UCLES 2021 9702/42/O/N/21

7
(i) Explain why φ is negative throughout the entire range x = 2R to x = D – R.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
(ii) One of the features of Fig. 2.2 is that φ is negative throughout.
Describe two other features of Fig. 2.2.
1. .......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
2. .......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
(iii) On Fig. 2.3, sketch the variation with x of the gravitational field strength g at point P
between x = 2R and x = D – R.
0 x
0 2R D–R
Fig. 2.3
[3]
[Total: 10]

m22 qp42 q1 5
1 (a) The point P in Fig. 1.1 represents a point mass.
On Fig. 1.1, draw lines to represent the gravitational field around P.
Fig. 1.1
[2]
(b) A moon is in circular orbit around a planet.
Explain why the path of the moon is circular.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]

6
(c) Many moons are in circular orbit about a planet.
The angular velocity of a moon is ω when the orbit of the moon has a radius r about the
planet.
Fig. 1.2 shows the variation of r 3 with 1 / ω 2 for these moons.
r3 / 1023 m3
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
1
/ 107 rad–2 s2
ω2
Fig. 1.2
(i) Show that the mass M of the planet is given by the expression
gradient
M=
G
[2]
© UCLES 2022 9702/42/F/M/22

7
(ii) Use Fig. 1.2 and the expression in (c)(i) to show that the mass M of the planet is
1.0 × 1026 kg.
[1]
(iii) Determine the speed of a moon in orbit around the planet with an orbital radius of
1.2 × 108 m.
speed = ................................................ m s–1 [3]
[Total: 10]

s22 qp41 q1 4
1 (a) (i) State Newton’s law of gravitation.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Use Newton’s law of gravitation to show that the gravitational field strength g at a
distance r away from a point mass M is given by
GM
g= .
r2
[2]
(b) The Earth has a mass of 5.98 × 1024 kg and a radius of 6.37 × 106 m.
The Moon has a mass of 7.35 × 1022 kg and a radius of 1.74 × 106 m.
The Earth and the Moon can both be considered as point masses at their centres. Their
centres are a distance of 3.84 × 108 m apart.
(i) Show that the gravitational field strength at the surface of the Moon due to the mass of
the Moon is 1.62 N kg–1.
[1]
(ii) Explain why there is a point X on the line between the centres of the Earth and the Moon
where the resultant gravitational field strength due to the Earth and the Moon is zero.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
© UCLES 2022 9702/41/M/J/22

5
(iii) Calculate the distance x of point X from the centre of the Moon.
x = ..................................................... m [3]
[Total: 10]

s22 qp42 q1 4
1 (a) (i) Define gravitational potential at a point.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) Starting from the equation for the gravitational potential due to a point mass, show that
the gravitational potential energy EP of a point mass m at a distance r from another point
mass M is given by
GMm
EP = – r
[1]
(b) Fig. 1.1 shows the path of a comet of mass 2.20 × 1014 kg as it passes around a star of mass
1.99 × 1030 kg.
X 34.1 km s–1 star

mass 1.99 × 1030 kg
comet
mass 2.20 × 1014 kg
path of comet
At point X, the comet is 8.44 × 1011 m from the centre of the star and is moving at a speed of
34.1 km s–1.
At point Y, the comet passes its point of closest approach to the star. At this point, the comet
is a distance of 6.38 × 1010 m from the centre of the star.
© UCLES 2022 9702/42/M/J/22

5
Both the comet and the star can be considered as point masses at their centres.
(i) Calculate the magnitude of the change in the gravitational potential energy ΔEP of the
comet as it moves from position X to position Y.
ΔEP = ...................................................... J [2]
(ii) State, with a reason, whether the change in gravitational potential energy in (b)(i) is an
increase or a decrease.
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(iii) Use your answer in (b)(i) to determine the speed, in km s–1, of the comet at point Y.
speed = .............................................. km s–1 [3]
(c) A second comet passes point X with the same speed as the comet in (b) and travelling in the
same direction. This comet is gradually losing mass. The mass of this comet when it passes
point X is the same as the mass of the comet in (b).
Suggest, with a reason, how the path of the second comet compares with the path shown in
Fig. 1.1.
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 10]

Markschemes - Circular Motion
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m16 qp42 q1 4

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1 (a) State Newton’s law of gravitation.

where G is the gravitational constant.

Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)

© UCLES 2016 9702/42/F/M/16

(i) Determine the ratio

Determine the orbital period TB of moon B.

© UCLES 2016 9702/42/F/M/16 [Turn over

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

© UCLES 2016 9702/41/M/J/16

(ii) At a point where x = 0.1 × 1012 m, the speed of the rock is v.

minimum speed = ............................................... m s−1 [3]

© UCLES 2016 9702/41/M/J/16 [Turn over

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

Calculate the angular speed ω of the stars.

ω = ............................................. rad s−1 [2]

© UCLES 2016 9702/42/M/J/16

(i) Determine the distance d.

© UCLES 2016 9702/42/M/J/16 [Turn over

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

The mass of the Earth may be assumed to be concentrated at its centre.

where G is the gravitational constant. Explain your working.

© UCLES 2016 9702/41/O/N/16

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

radius = .................................................... m [2]

Use your answer in (b)(ii) and the expression

to calculate, in hours, the period of the orbit of this satellite.

period = .............................................. hours [2]

© UCLES 2016 9702/41/O/N/16 [Turn over

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1 (a) Define gravitational field strength.

(b) The nearest star to the Sun is Proxima Centauri.

field strength = ............................................... N kg–1 [2]

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

© UCLES 2016 9702/42/O/N/16

© UCLES 2016 9702/42/O/N/16 [Turn over

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1 (a) Define gravitational potential at a point.

© UCLES 2017 9702/42/F/M/17

Use the expression in (b)(i) to determine the distance from A to B.

distance = .......................................................m [3]

© UCLES 2017 9702/42/F/M/17 [Turn over

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1 (a) Explain how a satellite may be in a circular orbit around a planet.

The Moon makes one complete orbit of the Earth in time T.

© UCLES 2017 9702/41/M/J/17

ρ = ............................................... kg m–3 [3]

© UCLES 2017 9702/41/M/J/17 [Turn over

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1 (a) Define gravitational field strength.

field strength = ............................................... N kg–1 [2]

(ii) A probe having a weight of 960 N on Earth lands on the comet.

weight = ...................................................... N [2]

© UCLES 2017 9702/42/M/J/17

© UCLES 2017 9702/42/M/J/17 [Turn over

3 (a) Define gravitational field strength.

© UCLES 2017 9702/41/O/N/17

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

1 (a) State Newton’s law of gravitation.