gravitational field

Question

Field strength at distance r from point mass M?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Definition**: The gravitational field strength ($g$) at a point is the gravitational force experienced by a unit test mass placed at that point.
2. **Formula**: $g = \frac{F}{m_{test}}$.
3. **Application**: For a test mass $m$ at distance $r$ from source mass $M$:
   - $F = \frac{GMm}{r^2}$
   - $g = \frac{GMm / r^2}{m} = \frac{GM}{r^2}$
4. **Result**: The field strength is **$GM/r^2$**, directed toward the source mass.

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gravitational field

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