0 6. 1 State what is represented by gravitational field lines - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 6
0 6 . 1 State what is represented by gravitational field lines. [1 mark]
0 6 . 2 Figure 6 shows the gravitational field above a small horizontal region on the surfa... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:0 6. 1 State what is represented by gravitational field lines - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
State what is represented by gravitational field lines.
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Answer
Gravitational field lines show the direction (and relative magnitude) of force acting on a mass placed in the field. Alternatively, they can represent the direction a stationary mass would experience.
Step 2
Suggest why the field lines converge over a small area at K.
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Answer
The field lines are closer together at point K; this indicates that the gravitational field is stronger in that region. The convergence suggests an increase in the strength of the gravitational field as it comes closer to K.
Step 3
Explain any change in the speed of the ball as it approaches K.
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As the ball approaches K, it will experience a change in potential energy due to the gravitational field. Since the ball is moving in a gravitational field, it will accelerate downward as it approaches K, thus increasing its speed.
Step 4
Explain why the lines of force shown in Figure 7 cannot represent a gravitational field.
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Answer
The lines of force in Figure 7 diverge from both charged objects L and M, indicating repulsion in some regions; this cannot occur in a gravitational field, which should always show attraction.
Step 5
State which object L or M has a charge with the greater magnitude.
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Object L has a charge with the greater magnitude.
Step 6
State which object L or M has a positive charge.
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Object L has a positive charge.
Step 7
Draw, on Figure 7, an equipotential line that passes through point N.
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The equipotential line should be drawn as a straight line that runs horizontally through point N. It must not extend beyond the field lines, maintaining symmetry to the left and right of N.