Gravitational field strength
What Gravitational field strength means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Gravitational field strength
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Reference: OCR
Measured in newtons per kilogram, this term is included in the calculation so the result carries the correct units of pressure.
A force per kilogram at the point where the object is, which falls as you move away from a planet.
Also denoted by g and measured in N/kg; 9.8 N/kg and 9.8 m/s² are numerically the same.
Measured in newtons per kilogram, N/kg, its value will be given in any calculation.
The g in W = m g, about 9.8 N/kg near the Earth's surface and smaller on the Moon.
Given as g = 9.8 N/kg near the Earth surface, and about 1.6 N/kg on the Moon.
Topics that use Gravitational field strength
- Changes in energy (AQA GCSE)
- Gravity (AQA GCSE)
- Pressure in a fluid 2 (HT only) (AQA GCSE)
- Forces in action (OCR GCSE)
- Pressure (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- density comparison
- elastic deformation
- gravitational field
- newtonmeter
- W = m × g
- Weight
- Area under a force–extension graph
- Atmospheric pressure and weight of air
Using Gravitational field strength in the exam
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