Gravity and Inverse Square Relationships NIS

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Slide 1

Lesson Opener

Make 4 small groups and discuss an answer to the question you are given

Have a spokesperson present a summary of your conclusion.

Slide 2

Gravity and Inverse Square Relationships

NIS, Taldykorgan

Grade 11 Physics

Slide 3

Lesson Objectives

Define Gravitational Field and Gravitational Potential

define potential at a point as the work done in bringing unit mass from infinity to the point

2. Determine the potential of a point mass in a field

solve problems using the equation for ’V’ =‘ φ’ = ‘ϕ’ = phi , the potential in the field of a point mass is ϕ=-GM/r

3. Show an understanding of geostationary orbits and their application and derive the expression for escape velocity

analyze circular orbits in inverse square law fields by relating the gravitational force to the centripetal acceleration it causes

Contrast the graphs of φ ≈ 1 / r, and g ≈ 1/r2

Slide 4

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

Is an Inverse Square Relationship (ISR) where Force is inversely proportional to the square of the radius (or distance) between the center of mass of two objects.

Slide 5

What Does Inverse “R” Squared Mean?

Light will spread out across an area as the distance grows linearly!

As the distance goes up the amount of light down.

The energy, light, or gravitational strength decreases as the distance “Radius” gets bigger by a power of 2, “R squared”.

Slide 6

Effect of Mass and Distance on Gravitational Force

Slide 7

Nonuniform Gravitational Fields

Near Earth’s surface the gravitational field is approximately uniform. Far from the surface it looks more like a sea urchin.

Earth

The field lines

are radial, rather than parallel, and point toward center of Earth.

get farther apart farther from the surface, meaning the field is weaker there.

get closer together closer to the surface, meaning the field is stronger there.

Slide 8

Equipotential Lines Around Earth

Slide 9

Diagram showing field lines and equipotential surfaces

Slide 10

Gravitational Potential