Free AP Physics C lesson

Gravitational Fields & Circular Orbits

This AP Physics C: Mechanics lesson is designed for AP Physics C self-study. It includes 2 video lessons, 4 practice questions, and an estimated completion time of 16 minutes.

Video lessons

  1. The Gravitational Field Strength

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  2. Satellites in Circular Orbit

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Practice covered

  1. The gravitational field strength g is defined as the force of gravity on a test mass divided by the test mass. If a 1 kg test mass experiences a gravitational force of 9.8 N, what is the gravitational field strength at that location?
  2. If the distance from the center of a planet is tripled, how does the gravitational field strength change?
  3. A satellite orbits a planet in a circular path at distance R from the planet's center, as shown below. What is the orbital speed required for this circular orbit?
  4. As a satellite moves in a circular orbit around a planet, the gravitational force is always perpendicular to the satellite's displacement. What is the work done by gravity on the satellite during one complete orbit?
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