Gravitational field strength – formula, definition, & derivation
Last updated on December 2nd, 2022 at 05:08 pm
A gravitational field is a region where you find gravity. More precisely, the gravitational field is defined as a region of space where a mass experiences a force because of its mass. In this post, we will find out more about the Gravitational field strength with its definition, derivation, and formula.
What is the gravitational field strength? | define gravitational field strength
Gravitational field strength gives a measure of how much force a body will experience in the gravitational field. It is defined as the gravitational force per unit mass experienced by a small test mass placed in the gravitational field.
So if a test mass, m, experiences a force F at some point in space, then the field strength, g, at that point is given by g = F/m
Unit: The unit of Gravitational field strength g is N/kg, and it is a vector quantity. See how to get the Dimensional formula of gravitational field strength.
Gravitational field strength formula derivation | Derivation of Gravitational field strength formula
Let’s consider the Gravitational field around a spherical object of mass M.
The gravitational force experienced by the mass, m is given by F = G Mm/r^2
So the field strength at this point in space, g = Gravitational force per unit mass =F/m
So, g = G M/r^2. This is the formula of Gravitational field strength.
Also Read: Law of Gravitation & derivation of the formula for Gravitational force
Write down the formula of Gravitational field strength
The gravitational field strength at a point in a gravitational field = g = G M/r^2
G = Universal Gravitational constant
M is the mass that is the source of the gravitational field
r is the distance of the test point from the source mass
Suggested reading – calculate the value of the Gravitational field strength.
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