Gravitation – Complete Intermediate Notes
Stage 1 • Page 2 • Gravitational Field & Acceleration due to Gravity
1. Gravitational Field
A gravitational field is the region around a mass in which another mass experiences a gravitational force.
Definition:
Gravitational field at a point is the gravitational force experienced by a unit mass
placed at that point.
g = F / m
- It is a vector quantity
- Direction is towards the attracting mass
- SI unit: N kg⁻¹
IIT Insight:
Gravitational field concept is used in advanced problems involving
multiple masses.
2. Gravitational Field Due to a Point Mass
For a point mass M, gravitational field at distance r is:
g = GM / r²
- Field decreases with square of distance
- Same expression as acceleration due to gravity
- Independent of test mass
Key Idea:
Gravitational field is a property of the source mass, not the test mass.
3. Acceleration Due to Gravity (g)
When a body falls freely under the influence of Earth’s gravitational force, it experiences an acceleration called acceleration due to gravity.
g = GM / R²
- M → Mass of Earth
- R → Radius of Earth
- SI unit: m s⁻²
Average value of g on Earth’s surface:
g ≈ 9.8 m s⁻²
4. Difference Between g and G
| G | g |
|---|---|
| Universal constant | Acceleration |
| Same everywhere | Varies with place |
| Very small | Relatively large |
5. Important Properties of g
- Independent of mass of falling body
- Acts vertically downward
- Varies with altitude, depth, latitude
- Maximum at poles, minimum at equator
Board Exam Tip:
Questions often ask conceptual reasons for variation of g.
6. Common Student Mistakes
- Confusing g with G
- Using surface formula inside Earth
- Wrong units for g
- Assuming g constant everywhere
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- Gravitation – Part 40
- Gravitation – Part 41
- Gravitation – Part 42
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