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The diagram shows gravitational equipotentials - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 11 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 11
The diagram shows gravitational equipotentials. Adjacent equipotentials are separated by an equal gravitational potential difference $V$. Which point has the great... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows gravitational equipotentials - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 11 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Which point has the greatest gravitational field strength?
Answer
In gravitational fields, the strength of the field is greatest where the equipotential lines are closest together. This indicates a steeper potential gradient, leading to a stronger gravitational field.
Looking at the diagram, we observe the following:
- Point A is relatively far from the next equipotential line.
- Point B is closer to adjacent equipotential lines than A, indicating a stronger gravitational field.
- Point C is at a similar distance to lines as A.
- Point D shows a more concentrated region of equipotentials.
Thus, point B exhibits the closest equipotential spacing, indicating that it has the greatest gravitational field strength.