06.1 State what is represented by gravitational field lines - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 6
06.1 State what is represented by gravitational field lines.
06.2 Figure 6 shows the gravitational field above a small horizontal region on the surface of the Earth... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:06.1 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 on a mass (placed in the force field).
Step 2
Suggest why the field lines converge over a small area at K.
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Answer
The lines are closer together, indicating the field strength is greater in that area. This suggests that the gravitational force at point K is stronger than at surrounding points.
Step 3
Explain any change in the speed of the ball as it approaches K.
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Answer
The ball will speed up as it approaches K due to the increase in gravitational potential energy, converting to kinetic energy as it falls into a region of stronger gravitational forces.
Step 4
Explain why the lines of force shown in Figure 7 cannot represent a gravitational field.
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Answer
In a gravitational field, lines of force should always point towards the source of the field, representing attraction. However, in Figure 7, the lines diverge, which indicates repulsion, not attraction.
Step 5
State which object L or M has a charge with the greater magnitude.
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Answer
object = L
Step 6
State which object L or M has a positive charge.
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object = M
Step 7
Draw, on Figure 7, an equipotential line that passes through point N.
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Answer
An equipotential line should be drawn horizontally, passing through point N, parallel to the electric field lines. The line should not extend beyond the given field lines.
